Eye floaters are small spots or specks that drift through your field of vision, often noticeable when looking at something bright like a white paper or a blue sky.
Types of Eye Floaters
Eye floaters move as you try to focus on them, appearing in various shapes such as:
- Black or gray dots
- Squiggly lines
- Threadlike strands
- Cobwebs
- Rings
Causes of Eye Floaters
Rarely, floaters can result from:
- Eye disease
- Eye injury
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Crystal-like deposits in the vitreous
- Eye tumors
Serious conditions associated with floaters include:
- Detached retina
- Torn retina
- Vitreous hemorrhage
- Inflamed vitreous or retina from infection or autoimmune conditions
- Eye tumors
Sudden Floaters
Sudden eye floaters might show a serious condition like posterior vitreous detachment. If you notice sudden or persistent floaters, see a doctor immediately.
Anxiety, Stress, and Floaters
Anxiety and stress don’t lead to floaters directly but can make you more aware of them. Floaters might also increase feelings of anxiety or depression, but more research is needed on this connection, per WebMD.
Natural Remedies for Eye Floaters
If floaters are mild, you might not need treatment and may learn to live with them. Here are some natural methods to manage floaters, according to an eye doctor:
- Move the floaters: Shifting your gaze can move the floaters out of your field of vision.
- Diet: A well-balanced diet rich in vitamin A (found in carrots, leafy greens, liver, fish, and dairy products) supports eye health.
- Supplements: Consider vitamin A, omega-3 fatty acids, and zinc supplements, but consult your doctor first.
- Eye exercises: Improve blood circulation in your eyes by moving them in circles or focusing on distant objects.
- Quit smoking: Smoking affects blood circulation, potentially worsening floaters. Seek help to quit.
- Manage eye strain: Reduce screen time and take breaks to prevent eye strain.
- Filter bright lights: Use sunglasses outdoors and opt for low indoor lighting to reduce floater visibility.
Medical Treatments
For severe floaters, medical treatments include:
- Laser Treatment
- Vitrectomy
Takeaways
While eye floaters are mostly harmless and part of the aging process, it’s important to consult a doctor if they change suddenly or are accompanied by flashes of light or eye pain.
