Eye Exercises for Floaters

If you’ve ever noticed small specks or shadowy shapes moving in your field of vision, you may have experienced what are commonly called “floaters.” Floaters are not optical illusions, but rather, tiny bits of gel that occur within the eye itself and impact your field of vision. They can appear in many forms, such as dots, lines, particles, strands, or webs, and because they are inside your eye, they move with your eyes when you look at (or, rather, through) them. They are definitely annoying and usually difficult to treat. However, there are natural solutions – including eye exercises for floaters – that can make this condition more manageable.

Floaters follow eye movements, such as blinking, and stop a few seconds after the eyes cease moving. They are most apparent when you are looking at a plain background: for example, a blank wall or blue sky. People may experience one or several floaters in one eye or both. However, floaters are not the same as the spots you see after looking at intense light, such as from a camera flash – this is just your eye adjusting to bright light and then back to normal lighting.

If you think you are suffering from floaters, you aren’t alone! The Retina Eye Center estimates that about 75% of people over the age of 65 experience floaters. Keep reading to learn more about how they occur and natural ways to get rid of eye floaters.

Understanding Floaters

Eye floaters can definitely be disconcerting, especially if they develop as you age. We know that some changes in vision usually come with age, but having something pop up in your field of vision all of a sudden can be nerve-racking for anyone. So, what exactly causes this issue? And is there an easy cure for eye floaters?

To put it simply, inside your eye, there is a clear, gel-like fluid called the vitreous. As you age, the vitreous begins to liquefy and contract. Some of the gel in your vitreous may form clumps or strands inside the eye. Small flecks of protein or other material that were trapped in the vitreous when your eye was formed can also cause floaters.

Another possible cause of eye flashes and floaters is retinal detachment or tear. You should see your doctor immediately if you notice more than just a few floaters, and especially if they are accompanied by bright flashes or lightning streaks.

There has also been a rumor floating around the vision health community that a B12 deficiency could contribute to eye floater development. However, recent studies have found no correlation between B12 deficiencies and floaters.

Exercises for Eye Floaters

While eye exercises may not be able to prevent your vitreous from aging, they can help improve circulation in your eyes, which can decrease the symptoms of floaters. Here are a few good options to add to your regimen if you are looking for exercises for eye floaters:

1. Figure 8: Imagine an eight that has been turned on its side out in front of you, about 2 feet away. Trace the figure eight in one direction about 10 times. Then, repeat going the other direction.
2. Palming: Vigorously rub your hands together for about 20 seconds to create some heat. Then, place your palms over your eyes and breathe deeply for about 20 seconds. This exercise has the added benefit of relaxation!
3. Blinking and Breathing: To complete this exercise, inhale sharply with your eyes wide open. As you slowly exhale, squeeze your eyes together very tightly. Repeat this procedure for about one minute. Add some more palming at the end for an added bonus!

Each of these exercises will increase blood flow to your eyes, which can alleviate floater symptoms. There is still more research to be done to determine whether these (and more) exercises can help get rid of eye floaters permanently.

Solutions Through Nutrition

While the jury is still out on eye exercises for floaters, there has been some substantial research on the benefits of including certain vitamins in your diet in order to reduce floaters. In a recent clinical trial discussed in the journal Translational Vision Science and Technology, researchers observed 61 patients with symptomatic vitreous floaters. These participants were randomized into groups who consumed a supplement consisting of either 25 mg L-lysine, 40 mg vitamin C, 26.3 mg Vitis vinifera extract, 5 mg zinc, and 100 mg Citrus aurantium or a placebo for six months.

The results of this study were quite promising – the study concluded that the individuals taking the supplement reported a significant decrease in discomfort caused by floaters in comparison to the control group. This is great news for those of us who suffer from eye floaters!

If you’re looking to add some of these foods to your diet, never fear: these supplements are fairly easy to come by. L-lysine is an essential amino acid, meaning the body needs it to build muscle. High-lysine foods include poultry, fish, shrimp, shellfish, pork, beef, soy, nuts, seeds, eggs, beans, and lentils. Vitamin C is a nutrient we often discuss here at Rebuild Your Vision, and it’s most easily found in citrus fruits and berries like strawberries. Zinc is another immune-boosting mineral that is found in a variety of meats, fish, and vegetables.

Vitis vinifera and Citrus aurantium, on the other hand, might be a little more difficult to come by. Vitrus vinifera is the scientific name for the common grapevine. The best way to get this supplement is through a tincture or capsule at a natural food store. Citrus aurantium is an extract from a bitter orange plant. You’ll also find this supplement at your local natural food store.

Natural Treatments for Eye Floaters

There’s no doubt that eye floaters are annoying, and sometimes impossible to avoid as you age. However, by incorporating some eye floater exercises and perhaps a few new supplements into your regimen, you can mitigate your symptoms. And, if you haven’t experienced floaters yet and want to avoid them, you’re in luck! Incorporating some of these natural remedies now could help prevent the development of floaters in the future.