Several herbal treatments are available for the treatment of floaters, small deposits within the eye that appear to float within the field of vision. The incidence of floaters increases with age and can become so severe that they interfere with vision. Thus, it is beneficial to consider the efficacy of herbal treatment options available. Always work with your doctor to determine what, if any, supplements are right for you.
Floaters
Floaters are small deposits or debris that are suspended within the vitreous humor of the eye, the clear gel that fills the space between the lens and the retina. According to the National Eye Institute, they can be present at birth or be acquired later due to retinal degeneration or damage to the vitreous humor itself. Floaters cast a shadow on the retina and can be seen as small spots or threads in the field of vision. They are especially apparent when looking at bright surfaces such as a blue sky or computer screen.
Available Herbal Treatments
One common natural treatment for floaters is the bilberry, known by the scientific name Vaccinium myrtillus. Bilberry extract has many beneficial compounds that are believed to help treat floaters such as vitamin C, flavonoids and anthocyanins. Other natural products rich in vitamin A that promote eye health and are believed to treat floaters include liver, vegetables, eggs and dairy products. Other herbal remedies that have been suggested as treatments for floaters are Sutherlandia and rooibos. Talk to your doctor to determine whether herbal remedies would be beneficial for you.
Effectiveness of Herbal Treatments
The herbal and natural remedies that are suggested for the treatment of floaters are considered very safe. They are relatively inexpensive and readily available in health food stores or online. However, there is no scientific evidence that any of these herbal remedies have any effect on the treatment or progression of floaters. Although their efficacy is questioned, these remedies contain many beneficial compounds that can maintain good eye health and may prevent other problems that could lead to floaters.
Treating Floaters
Most of the time, floaters are considered more of an annoyance than something that needs to be treated. However, in severe cases, surgical treatment may be necessary. Vitrectomy, or partial removal of the vitreous humor, is effective at removing portions of the vitreous humor that contains the debris leading to floaters if it significantly impairs vision. In addition, an article in the January 2002 issue of the journal "Eye" describes a noninvasive procedure known as laser vitreolysis, which focuses a laser on areas of the vitreous humor containing the debris and vaporizes them.
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