At one point or another, one may spot clouds or wavy lines in their vision, especially while staring at an open sky, a blank wall, or a bright and clear light. These are not hallucinations or optical illusions but eye floaters—an issue common among older adults. The spots in vision usually do not last long, but if they persist, one can try the following home remedies to naturally alleviate them:

What are eye floaters?
Eye floaters are the tiny squiggly lines, cobwebs, threads, black dots, or shapes one sees while gazing at a blank paper, wall, or clear sky. The shapes have a medical name—myodesopsias. Not just shapes, one may also notice flashes of light called photopsias. None of these issues actually exist outside the eye. They usually appear when the gel-like fluid called vitreous humor in the middle of the eyes undergoes changes in thickness. The macula is the central portion of the retina, and when the floaters drift around in the eyes, they cross in front of the macula and cast a shadow on the retina. As a result, the retina sends the signals to the brain, which then perceives these floaters as certain images. These are more common in older individuals, especially those between 50 and 70, and are considered a normal part of aging.

Causes
Aging is the main risk factor, as it may move vitreous humor away from the retina and cause clumps or shadows. Those with diabetic retinopathy, tumors, inflammation in the eye, or uveitis are also at risk of experiencing floaters. Additionally, those who have undergone cataract surgery or experienced injuries or vision issues for other reasons may see eye floaters. At times, certain floaters, like the ring-shaped ones, may indicate serious issues like retinal detachment or retinal tears with bleeding in the eyes.

Remedies
Eye floaters are not permanent and do not cause any major issues with vision. Eventually, even the brain may learn to distinguish them from real images. But here are also some natural home remedies that can help eliminate eye floaters fast:

1. Drink enough water
If the collagen in the vitreous is not getting sufficient oxygen or hydration, it can shrink and cause floaters to become more noticeable. That’s why it’s crucial to keep drinking enough water and other fluids. Pollutants or toxins can also contribute to eye floaters, and drinking enough water can help flush out toxins from the system.

2. Choose anti-inflammatory foods
Foods can contribute to relieving eye floaters naturally. Some anti-inflammatory foods may not directly target floaters, but they may help boost overall eye health. One can consider adding fresh organic berries such as strawberries, blueberries, and cherries to their food plan to boost eye health. Apart from that, it is best to eat tomatoes, nuts, grains, and nutrient-packed green leafy vegetables like kale and spinach. Healthy fats from coconut oil or olive oil, omega-3 fatty acid-rich fish like salmon and tuna, and vitamin C from common citrus fruits, including oranges, lime, and lemon, may also work wonders for the eyes.

3. Wear protective eyewear
Eye floaters may also stem from eye injuries, so it is important to protect the eyes and avoid damaging them further. One can do this by wearing eyewear that shields the eyes from flying debris, small wood or metal pieces, or chemical fumes while one is outdoors or taking on some yard work or construction work. While engaging in high-risk sports like boxing or basketball, where there’s a chance of getting hit or injured or working with hazardous chemicals, protecting the eyes becomes especially important.

4. Get enough rest
Tiredness and lack of sleep can also aggravate eye floaters. So it is important to give the eyes the necessary rest, especially when tired.

5. Try warm or cold compresses
Warm or cold compresses are great therapeutic and natural remedies. Here, one places a clean, warm cloth, cold gel packs, or specially designed eye masks on the eyes. Using these compresses can help relax the ocular muscles and reduce the likelihood of floaters.

6. Reduce screen time
Spending a lot of time in front of a screen has been known to strain the eyes and cause floaters. So, it is best to reduce screen time or wear a pair of protective blue light-blocking glasses when looking at a screen. This is especially helpful if one works on computers or in front of other electronic screens for long periods. One can also wear UV-protected sunglasses to block the harmful sun rays and bright lights.

7. Get an eye exam
If the floaters persist despite the natural home remedies, one is advised to get the vision tested, which can help reveal the onset of eye diseases, if any. A thorough eye examination can also help healthcare professionals recommend suitable treatment for eye floaters. Procedures like vitrectomy or laser treatment are used to treat the floaters. Lubricating or hyaluronic acid eye drops may also be helpful to ease inflammation or eliminate eye floaters quickly. Nevertheless, one should consult a doctor before trying any remedy or treatment.