Floaters: Symptoms, Causes, Treatments, and Natural Approaches

Spots or dots Threads, strands, or squiggles Cobwebs or clouds Rings or circles A sudden increase in floaters. The sudden appearance of floaters or black dots may indicate hemorrhage, wherein a retinal blood vessel breaks and bleeds into the eye. Floaters accompanied by bright flashes of light.

This may indicate serious conditions such as retinal tears, hemorrhaging from diabetes, high blood pressure, or uveitis (a type of eye inflammation), all of which can lead to vision loss. Blurry areas in peripheral or central vision. A dark shadow resembling a curtain covering part of your field of vision.



Eye pain or redness accompanied by floaters. New floaters if the individual has diabetes. Floaters are clumps of cell fragments (protein, fats, calcium) from inflammation, a retinal tear, or debris suspended within the vitreous humor.

They move in tandem with eye movements, making them appear to shift away when one attempts to look at them directly, with a slight lag. Even after the eyes cease moving, the floaters continue to drift across the field of vision. They are typically painless and may not affect a person’s ability to see beyond them.

Cataracts: Symptoms, Causes, Treatments, and Natural Approaches Macular Degeneration: Symptoms, Causes, Treatments, and Natural Approaches As clumps of microscopic collagen fibers and other debris within the vitreous humor, floaters hinder the passage of light through the eye, thus creating shadowy shapes on the retina, the light-sensitive nerve layer at the back of the eye responsible for vision. 1. Age-Related Changes For most people, these changes happen gradually and cause mild symptoms that often go unnoticed.

However, if the vitreous pulls too forcefully on a specific area of the retina or if there is abnormal adhesion between the vitreous and retina, it can lead to tears in the retina or damage to retinal blood vessels. 2. Damage, Inflammation, and Infection Retinal detachment: If untreated, retinal tears can lead to retinal detachment, where the retina separates from the back of the eye.

If a larger portion of the retina becomes detached, vision may become blurry, and several sudden symptoms may appear, including a significant increase in floaters, photopsias in one or both eyes, and a dark shadow or “curtain” appearing on the sides or in the middle of the visual field. Possible risk factors for retinal detachment include recent eye trauma, eye surgery, or severe myopia. If only a small part of the retina detaches, there may be no noticeable symptoms.

Vitreous hemorrhage: Vitreous hemorrhage occurs when the vitreous gel inside the eye pulls on the retina, leading to bleeding. It is often associated with conditions such as proliferative diabetic retinopathy or eye trauma. The hemorrhage can result in significant vision loss, potentially affecting the entire visual field.

It may cause the loss of the red reflex (the normal red appearance seen when light is shined into the eye). Central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) may also cause bleeding. CRVO occurs when the main vein that drains blood from the retina becomes partially or wholly blocked, causing floaters, blurry vision, or sudden loss of vision.

Inflammation: Vitreous inflammation, caused by infections such as cytomegalovirus, toxoplasma, or fungal chorioretinitis (inflammation of the retina and choroid), can lead to pain, blurred vision, floaters, and even loss of vision. This condition can affect both eyes and is more common in people with weakened immune systems or those who use injectable drugs. Eye infections: One example is endophthalmitis .

Injuries: Eye injuries can result from various causes, including blunt-force trauma, penetrating objects, or chemical burns. Eye contusions, in particular, can lead to complications such as cataracts, glaucoma, inflammation, hemorrhages, and tears or ruptures in the retina or choroid. Retinal detachment occurs in up to 5 percent of eye contusion cases.

Uveitis: Uveitis is inflammation of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye. It may result from the immune system fighting an infection or mistakenly attacking healthy eye tissue. If untreated, it can damage eye structures and cause permanent vision loss.

Intraocular tumors: One example is lymphoma. This is a rare cause of floaters. 3.

Environmental Factors Foreign objects in the eye can sometimes cause floaters, but the floaters typically accompany other symptoms, like eye pain. Age: As people age, the vitreous humor may contract and detach from the retina. This change typically occurs between ages 50 and 75, although the timing can vary.

Nearsightedness: Highly nearsighted individuals are more likely to develop floaters at a younger age and face an increased risk of retinal tears or detachment. As nearsighted people have longer-than-average eyes , the vitreous humor must fill a larger space. This makes it more likely for someone to develop strands and a liquid consistency earlier than someone with shorter eyes (more farsighted).

Eye Exam Visual acuity test: This measures clarity of vision by asking the patient to read letters from various distances. Visual field test: This test assesses peripheral vision by testing how well the patient detects objects to the side without eye movement. Eye muscle function test: This checks the muscles around the eyes by having the patient follow a moving object with their gaze.

Pupil response test: This test examines the pupil’s reaction to light using a flashlight to observe how light enters the eyes. Tonometry test: This painless test measures eye pressure with a puff of air or a gentle touch using a specialized tool. Other Tests Slit lamp exam: To check for serious issues such as a retinal tear, doctors use a slit lamp and other tools to examine the eye.

Eyelid pressing: If retinal tears or other serious conditions are suspected during a floater diagnosis, the doctor may gently press on the eyelids to better examine the retina and identify any underlying issues. Microbiological testing: Patients suspected of having chorioretinitis may need microbiologic testing to identify the specific infection or microorganism causing the inflammation in the eye. Ultrasonography: If the doctor can’t see the back of the eye due to floaters or bleeding, he or she may use ultrasound to check for a retinal detachment and to better understand the condition of the vitreous.

Vitrectomy: This surgical procedure treats severe cases of floaters that significantly impair vision. During the operation , the doctor makes a tiny incision in the eye to remove the vitreous humor and potentially replace it with a clear fluid (such as saline) or gas. While the procedure can reduce floaters, it may not remove all of them and is typically only recommended in exceptional cases due to risks.

Potential complications include bleeding, cataracts, retinal tears, and retinal detachment. Most doctors consider it too risky for a minor issue such as floaters. Vitreolysis: Vitreolysis is a type of noninvasive yttrium-aluminum-garnet (YAG) laser treatment specifically designed to treat eye floaters.

It uses quick pulses of laser light applied through a contact lens to break up or shrink floaters by converting their collagen into gas. This can make the floaters less noticeable or eliminate them. The procedure usually takes 20 to 60 minutes, and most people require two or three sessions for optimal results.

Vitreolysis carries risks and is typically reserved for cases where floaters significantly affect vision. Femtosecond laser: A femtosecond laser is an advanced infrared laser that works similarly to a YAG laser and is commonly used in LASIK. It uses precise, ultra-fast bursts of energy to break apart floaters.

Research into the use of femtosecond lasers is ongoing, as this technique may offer a safer alternative to YAG laser treatment. Atropine eye drops: Atropine eye drops, which mildly dilate the pupil, can help reduce the visibility of floaters but may also cause blurred vision. Laser photocoagulation: Laser photocoagulation is commonly used to treat retinal tears.

During the treatment, the doctor applies numbing medicine to the eye and uses a laser to make minor burns around the tear or hole in the retina. These burns create scar tissue that seals the tear, prevents it from worsening, and helps keep the retina in place. Freezing therapy: Cryopexy, or freeze treatment, is another method for treating retinal tears.

The doctor applies numbing medicine and uses a freezing probe on the sclera (the white part of the eye) near the tear. The freezing creates a scar around the tear, sealing it and keeping the retina in place. Antimicrobial medications: Doctors may prescribe antimicrobial drugs to treat infections that cause inflammation in the vitreous.

Eye movements: If a floater appears in the line of vision, moving the eyes around can help shift it out of the way by causing the vitreous humor to swirl. Looking up and down may be more effective than side to side in creating currents that move the floater away from the visual field. A positive or adaptable mindset can also play a key role in coping with floaters.

People who embrace acceptance and resilience are more likely to adapt to the presence of floaters. Mental strategies such as mindfulness, meditation, and relaxation techniques can reduce stress and anxiety associated with floaters, enhancing overall well-being and helping individuals manage the condition better. 1.

Supplements Micronutrient supplement: A 2021 clinical trial involving 61 patients with symptomatic eye floaters evaluated the effects of a daily active supplement of antioxidative and anti-glycation micronutrients (125 milligrams L-lysine, 40 milligrams vitamin C, 26.3 milligrams Vitis vinifera extract, 5 milligrams zinc, and 100 milligrams Citrus aurantium) versus placebo over six months. Compared to the control group, the group that took the supplements had significantly less visual discomfort and improved visual function and related quality of life.

Mixed fruit enzyme supplement: A 2022 clinical trial involving 224 patients with ocular floaters or vitreous hemorrhage-induced floaters assessed the effects of mixed fruit enzyme (MFE) supplementation. Some participants received a high-dose MFE supplement (190 milligrams bromelain, 95 milligrams papain, and 95 milligrams ficin) daily for three months. These fruit enzymes were extracted from pineapples, papayas, and figs, respectively.

The results demonstrated that MFE supplementation significantly reduced vitreous opacities, including those caused by intraocular hemorrhage. Additionally, supplementation with MFEs improved corrected distance visual acuity and yielded high patient satisfaction, highlighting its effectiveness for managing floaters and related visual impairments. 2.

Herbal Teas and Soup Mulberry black bean soup Chrysanthemum tea “Three flowers” chrysanthemum tea 3. Acupoint Massage According to Lee, to massage around the eyes, lie down, close the eyes, and use the index finger to press and rotate the Cuanzhu acupoint (above the brow) 50 times. Then, massage the outer corners of the eyes inward and outward 50 times each.

Follow this by massaging the eyeballs with the index and middle fingers in circular inward and outward motions 50 times each. Targeting the Jingming acupoint (near the inner corner of the eye) may also be beneficial. Press it firmly nine times and then massage it inward in the direction of the nose another nine times.

Repeat this two to three times daily. Additionally, massaging the Fengchi acupoint at the back of the head may also help. This acupoint is located below the occipital bone in the depression next to the prominent neck tendon.

Use your thumbs to press and massage the Fengchi acupoint firmly 50 times, keeping your fingers raised above your head (like you’re making bunny ears). Vitamin C: Vitamin C plays a crucial role in protecting the vitreous by neutralizing reactive oxygen species, thus preventing oxidative damage . Lutein: Lutein is an essential nutrient for eye health, offering protection against the development of nearsightedness.

Vitamin A: Vitamin A supports eye health, and its primary source, beta-carotene, acts as a precursor that the body converts into vitamin A. Vitamin E: Vitamin E is also a powerful antioxidant that helps protect eyes from damage caused by free radicals. Not getting enough vitamin E can lead to retinopathy, which affects the retina and can affect vision.

Selenium and iodine: Selenium and iodine are trace elements in the vitreous and have antioxidant properties. Selenium supports antioxidant proteins, while iodine acts as a standalone antioxidant. Both help prevent oxidative damage to the vitreous.

Omega-3 fatty acids: These are essential for eye health, contributing to cell membrane structure and supporting visual function. Their anti-inflammatory properties help relieve dry eye symptoms and lower the risk of age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma..