What Can Be Done About Severe Floaters in the Eye?

Eye floaters present themselves as shadows or dark specks that cross the field of vision, most especially noticeable after moving into a darker area. They can be associated with sudden flashes of light that can even be seen when the eyes are closed. Eye floaters are caused by deposits or pockets of condensation in the vitreous humor. They can affect one or both eyes. And while they may be harmless, they can also be indicative of more serious conditions including inflammation or a weakening of the retina connection.

Home Remedies to Combat Eye Floaters

• The best course is to prevent eye floaters with general eye health care. Exercising the eyes, rolling them in all directions, back and forth, up and down, and in circular directions may help keep the vitreous humor clear. In addition, eye doctors recommend a healthy diet including antioxidant rich foods, such as dark, leafy green vegetables and citrus fruits. Omega-3 fatty acids are also believed to be beneficial to general eye health. For herbal aid, milk thistle extract may help.

  Over time, most eye floaters will diminish or go away as the debris causing the floater breaks up or is absorbed. Eye floaters may also shift, moving someplace less annoying. And, for some, the brain will adapt and begin to ignore the floaters.

Medical Treatments

• There are currently no eye drops or simple procedures for dealing with eye floaters. A couple of surgical procedures are possible, however medical experts differ on their opinions as to how valuable or effective these procedures are. Since the problem occurs in the vitreous humor, there is a procedure used to treat eye floaters called a vitrectomy, where the vitreous is surgically removed. The procedure involves many incisions and is generally reserved for cases involving large amounts of non-clearing blood or inflammatory debris. The removed vitreous is replaced with an artificial gel.

  Some ophthalmologists will perform laser surgery to destroy eye floaters. The surgery is done on an out-patient basis with little to no recovery time. Lasers are used to break up the debris and remove it. As with any surgery, there are risks. Risks may include a detached retina.