Causes and Natural Remedies for Eye Floaters

Eye floaters can be a frustrating issue that many people experience from time to time. These floaters can appear in different forms, from small black dots to rings or cobwebs, and are often noticeable when looking at computer or phone screens, reading on brightly lit paper, or in sunny weather. However, according to the NHS, eye floaters are usually not a sign of anything serious, especially if they do not affect your vision, have been present for a long time, and are not getting worse. The cause of these floaters is a harmless process known as posterior vitreous detachment (PVD), which occurs when the gel inside the eyes changes. Despite this, many people still find them distracting. An expert, GP Doctor Sarah Brewer, in partnership with eye health specialists Theia Bio, shared some tips on how to deal with these floaters. Dr. Brewer explained that eye floaters are caused by clumps of collagen fiber that move around in the vitreous humor of the eyes, casting shadows on the retina.

According to GP Doctor Sarah Brewer, eye floaters are caused by clumps of collagen fiber that drift in the vitreous humor of the eyes and cast shadows on the retinae. Healthy vitreous humor is a uniformly transparent gel, but factors like aging, lifestyle choices, and environmental stressors like UV light can cause collagen to clump together and the vitreous humor to degenerate. Floaters are commonly experienced by people who are older, very near-sighted, have diabetes, or who have had cataract surgery. Although they are not necessarily harmful, they can cause discomfort, distraction, and frustration on a daily basis. Doctor Brewer explains that there are a number of lifestyle changes that can help minimize eye floaters.

Ensure Sufficient Hydration by Drinking Enough Water

According to Dr. Brewer, adequate hydration is crucial for eye health. This is because the vitreous humor, a gel-like substance inside the eyes, contains a high percentage of water. Insufficient water intake can lead to dehydration, causing the vitreous humor to shrink or lose its shape and contributing to the formation of floaters. Drinking enough water also helps the body eliminate toxins and debris, which can be another factor in floater development. Consuming two to three liters of fluids per day, or more during hot weather or exercise is recommended. Waiting until you feel thirsty is not ideal, as you may already be significantly dehydrated by then.

A Balanced Diet Can Help Prevent Vision Problems

Consuming a balanced diet is crucial for maintaining eye health. According to Dr. Brewer, key nutrients such as vitamin C, lutein, and omega-3 fatty acids, found in various fruits, vegetables, and proteins, can help prevent vision problems and reduce the risk of macular degeneration. For example, vitamin C, present in berries, citrus fruits, and bell peppers, is an antioxidant that helps fight free radical damage and counteracts oxidative stress – two of the primary causes of floaters.

Tips to Get Rid of Eye Floaters

There are several ways to get rid of eye floaters. Taking supplements can be beneficial as it can be difficult to get all the micronutrients you need through food alone. Theia Bio’s Clearer is a natural and effective supplement that can help address annoying floaters by taking one capsule a day. However, it is important to seek immediate medical advice if you suddenly get lots of floaters or if they become larger and more numerous as this could be a sign of a serious condition.

Resting your eyes can also help reduce the appearance of floaters. Skipping a good night’s sleep can cause a lot of stress on the eyes which can make floaters more obvious across your visual field. Additionally, spending too much time in front of a screen can also make them worse as they are more noticeable on bright backgrounds.

The Importance of a Nutritious Diet and How it Helps

Maintaining good health is crucial, and eating a balanced and nutritious diet can help achieve this. It’s important to know which foods contain which vitamins and how they support our bodies. Here is a guide to some essential vitamins and their food sources:

Vitamin A (Retinol): Supports vision, skin, bone and tooth growth, immunity, and reproduction. Found in: mango, carrots, butternut squash, pumpkin, broccoli, and beef liver.

Vitamin B1 (Thiamin): Supports energy metabolism and nerve function. Found in: watermelon, tomato, spinach, soy milk, lean ham, pork chops, and sunflower seeds.

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin): Supports energy metabolism, normal vision, and skin health. Found in: spinach, broccoli, mushroom, milk, egg, liver, oysters, and clams.

Vitamin B3 (Niacin): Supports energy metabolism, skin health, nervous system, and digestive system. Found in: spinach, potatoes, tomato, lean ground beef, chicken breast, shrimp, tuna (canned in water), and liver.

Vitamin B12: Used in new cell synthesis, helps break down fatty acids and amino acids, and supports nerve cell maintenance. Found in: milk, meats, poultry, fish, eggs, and shellfish.

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine): Supports amino acid and fatty acid metabolism, and red blood cell production. Found in: banana, watermelon, tomato, potatoes, broccoli, spinach, chicken breast, and white rice.

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid): Used in new cell synthesis, helps break down fatty acids and amino acids and supports nerve cell maintenance. Found in: mango, orange, lemon, grapefruit, strawberries, kiwi, spinach, broccoli, red peppers, peas, and tomatoes.

Vitamin D: Promotes bone mineralization. Found in: milk, egg yolk, liver, fatty fish, and sunlight.

Vitamin E: Antioxidant, regulation of oxidation reactions, and supports cell membrane stabilization. Found in: avocado, cod, shrimp, tofu, wheat, and sunflower seeds.

Vitamin K: Synthesis of blood-clotting proteins, regulates blood calcium. Found in: spinach, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, leafy green vegetables, and liver.

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