Some people swear by natural remedies like relieving stress through yoga, cutting out caffeine, and maintaining a magnesium-rich diet to get rid of these pesky spots, but so far, no studies have shown that these methods are effective.
Ireland and Germany-based researchers found the supplement blend of L-lysine, vitamin C, Vitis vinifera, zinc and Citrus aurantium decreased visual discomfort caused from these floaters.
In the cornea, magnesium is shown to be essential in preventing dry eye disease and infection (44) and acts as a neuroprotective and anti-apoptotic agent by reducing nitric oxide synthase and the induction of calcium channels in RGCs (15, 45, 46).
The Most Evidence-Based Treatments for Eye Floaters
Of all natural floater treatments, consuming pineapple (specifically the enzyme it contains, bromelain) is one of the most evidence-based ways to naturally treat floaters already in the eye.
Options may include surgery to remove the vitreous or a laser to disrupt the floaters, although both procedures are rarely done. Surgery to remove the vitreous. An ophthalmologist who is a specialist in retina and vitreous surgery removes the vitreous through a small incision (vitrectomy).
Vitrectomy/Laser Therapy
If the floaters are a major nuisance or severely hinder your vision, the best way to get rid of them is through either vitrectomy or the use of lasers. A vitrectomy is a procedure in which your doctor will remove the gel-like substance (vitreous) that keeps the shape of your eye round.
Recently, however, new research has indicated that pineapple may minimize floaters. A study from Taiwan found a 70% decrease in floaters among participants who consumed pineapple daily for three months. Researchers attribute the treatment's success to the enzyme “bromelain” which is found in pineapple.
There are no eye drops, medications, vitamins or diets that will reduce or eliminate floaters once they have formed. It's important to continue your annual eye exam, so your eye doctor can identify any eye health issues that may arise.
Furthermore, magnesium deficiency is also a contributing factor in increased oxidative stress and inducible NOS stimulation that can further contribute in the initiation and progression of ocular pathologies such as cataract, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy.
Severe visual loss and legal blindness, which may be caused by the induced hyperexcitability and toxicity of the NMDA receptors, have been observed in Mg-deficient (Mg-D) patients (12).
Another study noted that supplementing with magnesium improved symptoms of depression in 112 adults, with noticeable benefits occurring after 2 weeks ( 7 ).
Uveitis Linked to Vitamin D Deficiency
Sensitivity to light, blurry vision, floaters, pain, and/or redness are symptoms of uveitis. A study looked at non-infectious uveitis patients. The researchers measured the levels of Vitamin D in the blood, as well as Vitamin D intake and exposure.
Floaters usually happen because of normal changes in your eyes. As you age, tiny strands of your vitreous (the gel-like fluid that fills your eye) stick together and cast shadows on your retina (the light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the eye). Those shadows appear as floaters.
Do Floaters Ever Go Away? When the vitreous detachment is clean and gradual, any increase in eye floaters usually subsides in one to six months. An occasional floater may appear now and then, but knowing they are harmless, most people learn to live with them.
Are Dry Eyes and Floaters Connected? Experts have not found a link between dry eye disease and floaters. Eye floaters are age-related changes caused by deteriorating vitreous humor, resulting in tiny floating particles, and dry eye disease is linked to inadequate tear production.
Doses range from 80–400 milligrams per serving, two to three times daily. Your doctor may recommend that you take bromelain with meals in order to aid digestion, or on an empty stomach to reduce inflammation.
Here are some tricks to reduce your perception of floaters: Practise extending your focus as far into the distance as possible so you are not “staring at” the floaters. If they have you stressed, practise meditation for 10 minutes, twice a day and make a conscious effort to let your thoughts about them float away.
Eye floaters are very common. As a matter of fact, 7 out of 10 people will experience them at some time in their lives. Eye floaters are an ordinary part of the aging process because the clear substance inside the eye (vitreous gel) changes with age.
For some, eye floaters can disappear within a few weeks. For others, it's a matter of months. This depends on the type and severity of the floaters. In some cases, underlying conditions such as a torn retina or diabetic retinopathy can cause eye floaters to feel more apparent or longer lasting.
Magnesium can decrease the absorption and effectiveness of numerous medications, including some common antibiotics such as tetracycline (Achromycin, Sumycin), demeclocycline (Declomycin), doxycycline (Vibramycin), minocycline (Minocin), ciprofloxacin (Cipro), levofloxacin (Levaquin), moxifloxacin (Avelox) and ofloxacin ...
The claimed benefits of magnesium supplementation range from boosts in everyday wellness — better sleep, increased energy levels and improved mood — to specific health benefits, such as lower blood pressure, reduced risk of heart disease and improvement in migraines.
Fruits high in magnesium include dried figs, avocados, guavas, bananas, kiwi fruit, papayas, blackberries, raspberries, cantaloupes, and grapefruit. The daily value (DV) for magnesium 420mg per day.