Updated: May 2025
Fed up with those annoying floaters ruining your vision?
These drifting specks—often called "eye floaters"—can be irritating and sometimes alarming.
But here’s the good news: natural remedies can help reduce them or even make them disappear.
In this article, you’ll discover:
✓ Common causes of eye floaters
✓ Science-backed natural solutions to minimize them
✓ Prevention tips to stop new ones from forming
✓ Key supplements that support eye health
Contents
- 1 What are vitreous floaters?
- 2 Floaters and flashes of light: What you need to know
- 3 Causes of floaters: Why do they appear?
- 4 Who is affected by floaters?
- 5 Are floaters dangerous?
- 6 Medical treatments vs. natural solutions
- 7 Natural remedies for floaters
- 8 Natural remedies for eye floaters
- 9 Foods for eye health
- 10 Techniques to reduce floaters
- 11 Can dry eyes worsen floaters?
- 12 Floaters and stress: Is there a link?
- 13 Floaters and high blood pressure: A little-known link
- 14 How to protect your eyes from bright light
- 15 Can floaters lead to blindness?
- 16 Natural solutions: The dissipation process
- 17 How to take action today
- 18 Your questions about eye floaters
What are vitreous floaters?
Floaters, or myodesopsia, are small dark or transparent spots that appear in your field of vision.
They can take the shape of dots, threads, circles, or wavy lines.
These "floaters" are actually collagen debris floating in the vitreous, the gel-like substance that fills the eye.
Why do we see them?
When light passes through the eye, these debris cast shadows on the retina, making them visible.
They are particularly noticeable against bright backgrounds, like a computer screen or a blue sky.
Floaters and flashes of light: What you need to know
Flashes of light are visual phenomena that appear as flickering lights or lightning-like streaks in your field of vision.
They are often described as:
- Brief sparks.
- Bright streaks resembling lightning.
These flashes usually occur when the vitreous (the gel-like substance filling the eye) pulls on the retina, stimulating the cells responsible for vision.
They can be associated with floaters, those small dark spots or strands that drift across your vision.
When should you worry?
While occasional flashes of light are often harmless, certain signs should alert you:
- Sudden appearance of intense or frequent flashes.
- Rapid increase in the number of floaters.
- Partial or total vision loss (like a "dark curtain").
If you notice any of these signs, consult an ophthalmologist immediately.
Prompt treatment can prevent serious complications.
Causes of floaters: Why do they appear?
Eye floaters can have several causes:
- Aging: As you age, the vitreous liquefies and shrinks, forming debris.
- Nearsightedness: People with myopia have longer eyes, which increases the risk of floaters.
- Eye trauma or surgery: An injury or surgical procedure can cause them.
- Eye diseases: Retinal detachment, uveitis, or vitreous hemorrhage.
- General health conditions: Diabetes, high blood pressure, or autoimmune diseases.
Who is affected by floaters?
They can affect anyone, but some groups are more at risk:
- Older adults (aged 50 and above).
- Nearsighted individuals.
- Those who have experienced eye trauma or surgery.
- People with diabetes or high blood pressure.
Are floaters dangerous?
In most cases, floaters are harmless and don’t require urgent treatment.
However, certain symptoms should alert you:
- Sudden appearance of many floaters.
- Flashes of light or lightning-like streaks in your vision.
- Loss of peripheral or central vision.
- Eye pain or redness.
If you notice these symptoms, see an ophthalmologist immediately.
They could indicate a retinal detachment, a medical emergency.
Medical treatments vs. natural solutions
Medical treatments
- Vitrectomy: A surgical procedure to remove the vitreous.
- Laser vitreolysis: A non-invasive treatment to target and eliminate floaters.
Natural solutions
Natural remedies may not make floaters disappear completely, but they can reduce their appearance and improve eye health.
Here are some solutions to try.
Natural remedies for floaters
A 2019 study suggests that pineapple may be effective in reducing eye floaters.
This tropical fruit contains bromelain, an enzyme known for its ability to break down collagen debris in the vitreous humor.
In the study, participants consumed pineapple slices daily for 90 days after their meals.
The results were as follows:
- Group consuming one slice of pineapple daily experienced a 55% improvement.
- Group consuming two slices of pineapple daily showed a 66% improvement.
- Group consuming three slices of pineapple daily demonstrated a 75% improvement.
To try this method, incorporate fresh pineapple into your daily diet and observe if you notice a decrease in symptoms.
Alternatively, you can consider taking a bromelain supplement with a recommended dosage of 100-150 grams per day (aff).
It's important to note that some individuals may have allergies to pineapple, so exercise caution if you have known allergies.
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Natural remedies for eye floaters
When considering natural remedies for eye floaters, it's essential to understand the actions and potential benefits of each remedy.
Here's a detailed breakdown of each remedy, along with recommended dosages:
Hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid, available in various forms such as capsules or eye drops, is known for its ability to support eye health by maintaining proper moisture levels (aff).
These supplements can help in keeping the vitreous humor hydrated, potentially reducing the appearance of floaters.
- Dosage: Follow the manufacturer's instructions or consult a healthcare professional for appropriate dosage recommendations.
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- Suggested Use: 2 tablets twice daily.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 supplements, found in fish oil or flaxseed oil capsules, possess anti-inflammatory properties beneficial for eye health (aff).
These fatty acids contribute to the health of the retina and may alleviate symptoms of eye floaters.
- Dosage: Typically, 1000-2000 mg of combined EPA and DHA per day is recommended for eye health.
Green Tea
Green tea, available as a beverage or supplement, is rich in antioxidants like catechins, which promote eye health by protecting against oxidative stress and inflammation.
This may reduce the occurrence of floaters.
- Dosage: Drinking 1-3 cups of green tea daily or following the recommended dosage on the supplement label is recommended.
Carrot juice
Fresh carrot juice, high in beta-carotene, which converts into vitamin A, supports good vision.
Consuming carrot juice regularly provides nutrients essential for eye health, potentially reducing the severity of eye floaters.
- Dosage: There is no specific dosage, but incorporating a serving of carrot juice into your daily routine is beneficial for overall eye health.
Berries
Berries such as blueberries, strawberries, and bilberries contain antioxidants like anthocyanins, which promote eye health by protecting the retina.
Regular consumption may reduce the risk of developing eye floaters.
- Dosage: Aim for 1-2 servings of berries daily as part of a balanced diet.
Castor oil eye drops
Pure hexane free castor oil is recommended for eye health (aff).
Applied directly to the eyes, castor oil has lubricating properties that can soothe dry eyes and alleviate discomfort associated with eye floaters.
- Dosage: Apply 1-2 drops into each eye as needed, following the manufacturer's instructions or the advice of an eye care professional.
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Rose water
Organic rose water, known for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, can provide relief from eye irritation and discomfort (aff).
Using it as an eye rinse or compress may help relax the eyes and reduce the perception of eye floaters.
- Dosage: Use as needed for eye irritation and discomfort, following proper application instructions.
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Incorporating these natural remedies into your daily routine, along with maintaining a healthy lifestyle and regular eye care, can potentially manage eye floaters and promote overall eye health.
Foods for eye health
A diet rich in essential nutrients can prevent and reduce floaters.
Incorporate these foods into your diet:
- Leafy greens (spinach, kale): High in lutein and zeaxanthin.
- Citrus fruits (oranges, lemons): Rich in vitamin C.
- Nuts and seeds: Sources of vitamin E.
- Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel): High in omega-3s.
Can dehydration cause floaters?
While dehydration doesn’t directly cause floaters, it can make them more noticeable.
Dehydration thickens the vitreous, making floaters more prominent in your field of vision.
To support eye health, drink plenty of water daily.
Techniques to reduce floaters
- Move the floaters: Quickly move your eyes to shift the debris out of your field of vision.
- 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds to reduce eye strain.
- Protect your eyes: Wear sunglasses and avoid overly bright environments.
Can dry eyes worsen floaters?
Dry eyes don’t directly cause floaters, but they can make them more noticeable.
When your eyes are dry, the vitreous becomes more prominent, increasing the visibility of floaters.
What to do:
- Use lubricating eye drops.
- Stay hydrated by drinking enough water.
- Consult an ophthalmologist if symptoms persist or worsen.
Floaters and stress: Is there a link?
Floaters aren’t directly caused by stress, but stress can affect how you perceive them.
When stressed, you may become more aware of bodily sensations, including visual disturbances like floaters.
Stress can also worsen existing eye conditions or cause eye strain, making floaters more noticeable.
Tips to manage stress:
- Practice relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga.
- Get enough sleep to reduce eye strain.
- Limit screen time to avoid overstimulation.
Floaters and high blood pressure: A little-known link
Did you know floaters can be an early sign of high blood pressure?
Though high blood pressure often has no obvious symptoms, subtle signs may include:
- Ringing in the ears.
- Headaches upon waking or at the end of the day.
- Dizziness.
- Shortness of breath.
- Nosebleeds.
- Visual disturbances (like floaters).
If you experience these symptoms, monitor your blood pressure regularly and consult a doctor.
Early intervention can prevent serious complications.
How to protect your eyes from bright light
Protecting your eyes from bright light is essential for maintaining good eye health and reducing vision problems.
Exposure to sunlight, blue light from screens, and other sources of glare can contribute to eye strain and discomfort.
Tips:
- Wear sunglasses: Choose high-quality sunglasses with UV protection and polarized lenses to reduce glare.
- Use blue light filters: Install filters on your screens to limit blue light exposure.
- Adjust lighting: Use indirect lighting or diffuse natural light with curtains.
- Take breaks: Follow the 20-20-20 rule to reduce eye strain.
- Wear protective eyewear: Shield your eyes during risky activities (sports, DIY projects).
Can floaters lead to blindness?
The presence of floaters in your vision can potentially lead to blindness, depending on their underlying cause.
If you notice a sudden onset of numerous new floaters accompanied by a sensation of a dark curtain obstructing your peripheral vision, it could indicate a retinal detachment or tear.
If left untreated, these conditions can progress to blindness.
Retinal detachment cases in the general population are relatively rare, occurring at a rate of approximately 1 per 10,000 individuals, although they are serious when they occur.
However, it's essential to note that the most common cause of age-related floaters does not pose a risk of blindness.
Still, any sudden changes in vision should prompt immediate evaluation by an eye care professional to rule out serious conditions and prevent potential vision loss.
Natural solutions: The dissipation process
Explore the natural phenomenon of eye floaters gradually diminishing over time without intervention.
As individuals age, changes in the vitreous humor often result in decreased visibility or complete disappearance of floaters.
While this fading process provides reassurance, it's crucial to stay vigilant and seek professional guidance if needed.
How to take action today
While floaters in your vision don’t always signal a serious eye condition, it’s crucial to distinguish between harmless floaters and situations requiring immediate medical attention.
If no serious concerns are found, you can reduce their impact with natural strategies.
From pineapple to omega-3s and proper hydration, these solutions can make a difference.
Try these natural remedies today and share your results with us!
Your questions about eye floaters
Do eye floaters go away on their own?
To date, there is no dedicated treatment for floaters.
The patient suffering from it is therefore led to manage this vision problem by adapting to it often with difficulty.
He must rely on brain adaptation and diversion of attention to get used to the discomfort they cause.
Can lack of sleep cause eye floaters?
It is important to preserve the vitreous (eye's vitreous humor) to prevent floaters.
To achieve this, it is essential to:
- get enough sleep to avoid the effects of fatigue
- drink enough to avoid dehydration
- check your eyesight regularly, especially when you suffer from myopia
How do you get rid of floaters in your eyes?
Eye floaters are very difficult to remove.
After a period of adaptation, they tend to fade gradually over the months.
But they never completely disappear.
At most, the person manages to ignore them.
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