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.
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).
They digest them. Bromelain can digest proteins, specifically collagen, and eye floaters are made of collagen.
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.
Pineapples and Your Eyesight
This enzyme is known for helping aid in digestion, reducing inflammation, tumor growth, and much more. Including pineapple into your healthy diet will not only be beneficial for protecting your eyesight now and as you age, but for a multitude of other health-related issues.
Introduce healthy foods in your diet such as leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, and fatty fish. These have essential nutrients to improve eye health and reduce floaters.
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.
Eat a diet high in antioxidants (e.g., carrots, dark leafy greens, other brightly colored vegetables) and Omega 3 fatty acids (e.g., fish, walnuts) to promote optimal eye health.
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.
Fresh pineapple cannot be used because of a natural enzyme called “bromelain”. The heat process used in canning pineapple destroys this enzyme, allowing canned pineapple to be used in a variety of recipes.
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.
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.
What causes floaters? 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.
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.
Participants who consumed at least 2 servings of oily fish per week at baseline also had a lower risk of DR. Eye Floaters: Similarly, there's been promising evidence that supports omega-3 and eye floaters.
Depending on the initial size, it can take some floaters anywhere from one to six months to disappear. However, some may never disappear completely. In addition to the recommended annual eye examination, you should contact an optometrist immediately if floaters show up in your field of vision.
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.
Setting aside the obvious delicious flavor of avocado, it actually provides nutrients that promote good eye health! The reason avocado is good for your eyes is the high amount of lutein that is found in it. A single ounce of avocado contains 80 micrograms of lutein—most lutein supplements only give you 10 mcg!
Kiwi Fruit Prevents Vision Loss
Kiwis can prevent macular degeneration and ultimately, vision loss. Kiwi contains zeaxanthin and lutein (or the “eye vitamin). These two compounds perform the same function as antioxidants and help to form vitamin A, an essential nutrient for your eyes.
However, if the vitreous separates from the retina more suddenly, you may experience a sudden increase in eye floaters. A “shower” of floaters can also occur when there is bleeding or inflammation at the back of the eye from trauma, infection, or a disease such as diabetes.