Myth: Nothing can be done about floaters.

Fact: There may be treatment and prevention through proper diet, lifestyle and supplements.

Overview:

Floaters are an appropriate name for these small dark shapes that appear before your eyes, because floating through your field of vision is precisely what they do. They are clumps of protein. They may look like dots, squiggles, strands or any of a hundred other shapes. Though annoying, floaters are harmless, and there are ways to prevent them through proper diet.

Warning: If you suddenly become aware of new spots in your vision, see your eye doctor right away to rule out serious problems.

Causes:

Most floaters are the result of bits of cells that remain in the vitreous humor after birth nd float around when the vitreous becomes more liquified later in life. Over 50% of people over 70 years of age report seeing floaters. We strongly recommend an annual dilated exam. A sudden increase of floaters can be an indication of a vitreous or retinal detachment. People who are very nearsighted and/or diabetic are particularly prone to floaters and retinal tears. If you suddenly see new floaters, make an appointment with your eye doctor immediately.

Important nutrients for prevention and healing:

Bilberry improves circulation in the blood vessels of the eye, helps maintain the integrity of capillaries, stabilizes collagen, and stimulates the production of rhodopsin essential for night vision.

Lutein and zeaxanthin filter light, and serve as potent free radical scavengers for the retina.

Vitamin C helps make collagen which strengthens the capillaries that nourish the retina, protects against UV light and is a powerful antioxidant. The eye contains the second highest concentration of vitamin C in the body next to the adrenal glands.

Other important herbs include Bupleurem, White Peony, Tree Peony, Dong Guai, Poria, Atractylodes, Ginger, Gardenia, Licorice, Coleus, Gingko, Milk Thistle, Dandelion, Eyebright, Bilberry and Hoelen. These herbs can be found in a formula called ReVision (see website below for more information), and were formulated specifically to cleanse and tonify the Liver, based on the Chinese perspective that the free flow of Liver energy is essential for the prevention and healing of many eye diseases including floaters, macular degeneration and cataracts.