Herbal Cure for Floaters

Eye floaters come in different forms: spots, specks, strings or squiggles. When the jelly-like substance in your eye known as the vitreous humor becomes more liquid, microscopic fibers in the vitreous tend to clump together. These clumps float around within the vitreous cavity and cast shadows on your retina, the light-sensitive inner layer of your eye. These shadows appear as floaters. Many factors can cause floaters: old age, near-sightedness, food allergies and candidiasis (yeast infection), diabetes, eye surgeries or eye injuries.

Dandelion Root

• From a Chinese medicine perspective, the health of the organs is often related to the general health of the body, and floaters indicate congestion in the liver, kidney and colon. By this reasoning, herbs that can help clear the congestion in these organs will also keep the vitreous cavity clear of floaters. These herbs also serve to strengthen retinal tissue and preserve the health of blood vessels. Dandelion root is commonly used in Chinese medicine to clean or purify congestion in the liver and kidney, thereby promoting eye health. In addition, dandelion root has more beta carotene than carrots and boasts high levels of vitamins A, C and E, all of which are thought to enhance vision.

  Other Chinese herbs that can help to alleviate floaters are chrysanthemum flowers, celosia seeds, milk thistle and gardenia. These herbs are often brewed as tea or used in medicinal soups. They are also sold as supplements.

Eyebright

• As the name suggests, eyebright has long been used as a treatment for vision problems. The ancient Greeks used it effectively to treat eye infections. Eyebright also provides nourishment to the eyes with its high levels of vitamins A and C. Not only does it promote healthy sensitivity to light, it also has anti-inflammatory qualities, preventing eye inflammation. You can buy eyebright tea or supplements.

Bilberry

• Bilberry is an herb well known for promoting eye health. The reputation grew when pilots in World War II reported they saw better during night missions after eating bilberry jam with their bread. Dr. Marc Grossman, optometrist and licensed acupuncturist, points out that bilberry improves circulation to the blood vessels in the eye and strengthens eye tissue by increasing oxygen levels in the area. Bilberry's blue pigment, called anthocyanadins, are powerful antioxidants that may help prevent cataracts, age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma, as well as control floaters. You can eat bilberries fresh or use them in jam, juices or pies.

Ginkgo Biloba

• One of the oldest living tree species, ginkgo biloba is used to treat circulatory disorders and enhance memory. It is also a powerful herb for eye health. Ginkgo biloba contains two potent antioxidant chemicals, flavonoids and terpenoids, which can neutralize the damaging effects of free radicals in the body. According to University of Maryland Medical Center, laboratory and animal studies show that flavonoids protect the nerves and blood vessels in the eyes and retina from damage. Terpenoids dilate blood vessels and help to enhance blood flow to the eye. Ginkgo biloba extract is often used for these purposes, and ginkgo seeds can be cooked and eaten. You can also drink ginkgo biloba tea.