Herbal Treatment for Eye Floaters

Eye floaters are small clumps of debris or thickened liquid in the eye. As you age, you may find these become more noticeable, especially in bright light or when you are looking at a plain background. While these rarely pose any risk, they can be bothersome. Floaters will tend to shrink as time goes on, and may become less noticeable without treatment.

Herbs for Eye Health

• To help speed up the process, and improve overall eye health, there are several herbal remedies you might try. Appropriately named eyebright has been used since the Middle Ages for various eye problems. The tannins in this herb help to alleviate pressure in the membrane of the eye. Blueberries and bilberries are excellent antioxidants. The berries, and supplements made from them, have been used with success in the treatment of macular degeneration and floaters because they help to promote blood flow to the eyes. Another herb that increases circulation to the head and eyes is ginkgo biloba. You may want to try a sulfur supplement called MSM (methyl sulfonyl methane). It's found naturally in most plants, and the over the counter remedies are usually derived from pine trees. Your body uses sulfur to help several processes including balancing blood sugar and relieving inflammation. Blood sugar and insulin problems are detrimental to your eye health. Diabetics are more prone to floaters. All of these remedies are considered safe, even when used in conjunction with each other. You can purchase them online or at your local whole foods store.

Warnings

• Consult your eye care professional if you experience a large number of floaters that seriously affect your vision. If you see flashes of light in your peripheral (side) vision, it may be a sign of a detached retina. Seek immediate medical attention if this happens.