Eye Floaters

Eye floaters are those small, often irregular, dark shapes that appear on ones field of vision. They are made up of clumps of protein that may look like dots, blobs, strands, cobwebs, etc. Though annoying, they won't harm you and you may not even notice them.

It is possible to manage and even prevent vitreous eye floaters with a combination of dietary considerations and supplements. The Chinese medical model focuses often on the Liver (meridian) regarding supporting overall eye health and in helping improve eye floaters. One such formula is called "Xiao Yao San" or 'Rambling Powder", which our ReVision Formula is based on (see Revision Formula and Revision Formula Reviews) and milk thistle extract may also help reduce floaters.

Warning: If you suddenly become aware of new floaters in your vision, see your eye doctor right away to rule out serious problems.

Most vitreous eye floaters are age-related and are due to the vitreous gel, which maintains the shape of the back of our eyes, gradually liquifying resulting in the release of protein (connective tissue) into the vitreous gel. More than 50% of people over 70 see them. Some parts of the vitreous may also clump up forming floaters inside the eye.

For some people, floaters may appear as a result of bits of cells that never fully dissolved from blood vessels created during prebirth development of the eyes.

Trauma to the eye may also cause spots and floaters. Many floaters remain in the eye for a long time before they gradually disappear.

Those who are nearsighted are also at higher risk of developing eye floaters, along with people with food allergies and/or candidiasis (chronic yeast infections).

From the perspective of Chinese Medicine, congestion in the kidney, liver and colon can contribute to development of floaters. The nutrients and herbs we recommend are chosen for their ability to reduce congestion, helping to keep the vitreous free of these little specks and spots. In addition, these supplements help to strengthen the connective tissue of the retina and the strength of the blood veins and arteries.

We believe that chronic stress may contribute to the generation of floaters (as well as any other health condition one may be prone to), so developing a daily routine of mediation, yoga, or relaxation is really important.

IMPORTANT NOTE: A sudden appearance of floaters might be an indication of a retinal or vitreous detachment. Nearsighted people and those who are diabetic are more prone to both floaters and retinal tears. 63% of the population over 70 experience vitreous detachments (10% before then).

See "Drugs That Harm the Eyes" for a discussion of medications that could be potentially detrimental to your vision.

Conventional medicine has no treatment for floaters. The opthamologist may recommend a vitrectomy, removing the vitreous fluid and replacing it with an artificial gel in very serious cases.

A few doctors perform laser surgery for this condition, but it depends upon where the floaters are located the fluid. Most patients who may be candidates for laser surgery have experienced PVD (post vitreous detachment), which can push floaters toward the center of the eyes and away from the lens and retina. However this practice is not acceptable to most of the medical community, perhaps due to the possible risks.

You'll find the experience of a woman who recovered from vitreous floaters and detachment to be quite interesting.