Floaters

Floaters are deposits of various size, shape, consistency, refractive index, and motility within the eye's vitreous humour, which is normally transparent. Symptoms shows small speck, know as floaters, that appear to float in the field of vision. They are especially seen in a well-lit room or outdoors on a bright day.

Causes: These are fragments of tissue in the jelly like vitreous humor that fills the "ball" of the eye. They cast shadows on the retina. Any eye movement causes them to move rapidly. But, when the eyes are still, they drift slowly.

If they appear suddenly, or in large numbers, consult your eye doctor. This may indicate separation of the retina from its underlying tissue (retinal detachment) or a leakage of blood into the vitreous humor (vitreous hemorrhage). I you also see light flashes in the corners of your eyes, be sure and see an eye doctor.

Occasionally, floaters clump into long, stringy strands. If this occurs, the cause may be fibrillar degeneration of the vitrous, which results from excessive exposure to sunlight.

Natural remedies for floaters:

• Take bioflavonoids (500 mg, daily) and vitamin K (100 mcg, 2 times daily). Vitamin A (500 IU) and E (400 IU) will help remove lens particles. Also pantothenic acid (500 mg), B₆ (250 mg), and vitamin C (2,000 mg).
• Drink carrot juice and eat green and yellow vegetables.
• Drink dandelion root tea and use as an eyewash.