Are those specks, cobwebs, or strings that drift across your vision getting you down? You’re not alone. Eye floaters affect millions of people worldwide. It may cause concern and frustration as they interfere with daily activities. But before you resign yourself to a lifetime of dodging these annoying interlopers, take heart. There are some surprisingly simple, natural ways to reduce the appearance of eye floaters and take back control of your clear, unobstructed vision.
In this article, we’ll explore what eye floaters are, their causes, and share 16 natural remedies to get rid of eye floaters fast. Ready to say sayonara to those spots once and for all? Let’s dive in and explore the natural path to crystal-clear eyesight.
What Are Eye Floaters?
Eye floaters are small, semi-transparent or cloudy specks or shapes that appear to float across your field of vision. They are very common and are often described as:
- Spots
- Strings
- Cobwebs
- Rings
- Fragments
Eye floaters are caused by small pieces of the eye’s vitreous humor (the clear, gel-like substance that fills the inside of the eye) that cast shadows on the retina as light passes through the eye.
As we age, the vitreous humor starts to break down and shrink, forming small clumps or strands that become “floaters.” These floaters move as your eyes move, which is why they appear to drift across your field of vision.
Floaters are usually harmless, but they can be annoying and frustrating, especially when they are numerous or particularly visible. In some cases, new floaters or a sudden increase in floaters can indicate a more serious underlying condition, such as a retinal tear or detachment, which requires prompt medical attention.
If you experience a sudden increase in floaters, flashes of light, or a loss of peripheral vision, you should see an eye doctor right away to rule out any serious eye problems. Otherwise, most floaters are a normal part of the aging process and don’t require treatment.
Common Causes of Eye Floaters
Eye floaters are a common occurrence and are usually harmless. Here are some of the common causes of eye floaters:
- Age-related changes: As we age, the vitreous, the gel-like substance that fills the inside of the eye, starts to shrink and pull away from the retina. This can cause the vitreous to become more liquid, leading to the formation of floaters.
- Posterior vitreous detachment (PVD): PVD is a natural process that occurs as we age, where the vitreous gradually separates from the retina. This can cause the appearance of new floaters.
- Nearsightedness (myopia): People with high myopia have a higher risk of developing eye floaters due to the stretching of the eye during growth.
- Eye injury or inflammation: Trauma to the eye or eye inflammation (such as uveitis) can lead to the development of floaters.
- Retinal tear or detachment: In rare cases, eye floaters can be a sign of a more serious condition, such as a retinal tear or detachment, which requires immediate medical attention.
- Vitreous hemorrhage: Bleeding within the vitreous can cause the appearance of new floaters.
16 Natural Remedies to Get Rid of Eye Floaters
Let’s explore natural approaches that may help manage eye floaters. Remember, results vary from person to person, and patience is key—many of these remedies require consistent practice over time.
1. Hydration: The Foundation of Eye Health
Maintaining proper hydration is crucial for overall eye health. When you’re dehydrated, the vitreous humor can become more concentrated, potentially making floaters more noticeable. Proper hydration may help maintain the right consistency of the vitreous gel.
How to implement:
- Aim to drink 8-10 glasses (about 2 liters) of water daily
- Increase intake during hot weather or physical activity
- Consider tracking your water intake with a water bottle marked with time indicators
- Reduce alcohol and caffeine consumption, which can contribute to dehydration
Many floater sufferers report a correlation between dehydration and increased floater visibility. One patient in her 40s noticed her floaters were significantly more prominent during a week-long hiking trip when she wasn’t drinking enough water. After returning to normal hydration levels, the floaters, while still present, became less bothersome.
2. Antioxidant-Rich Diet
Oxidative stress can contribute to vitreous deterioration and floater formation. Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals that can damage eye tissues, potentially slowing the progression of vitreous changes that lead to floaters.
How to implement:
- Increase consumption of colorful fruits and vegetables, especially those high in vitamins A, C, and E
- Add foods rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, like spinach, kale, and other leafy greens
- Include berries, particularly blueberries and blackberries, which are excellent sources of anthocyanins
- Incorporate nuts and seeds, especially walnuts, flaxseeds, and chia seeds, for omega-3 fatty acids
A 2017 study found that participants who consumed higher levels of vitamins C and E had a lower risk of developing vitreous opacities. While this doesn’t directly prove these nutrients reduce existing floaters, it suggests antioxidant intake may play a preventive role in floater formation.
3. Eye Massage Techniques
Gentle eye massage may temporarily improve circulation around the eyes. This can potentially help distribute the vitreous humor more evenly to get rid of eye floaters.
How to implement:
- Wash your hands thoroughly before beginning
- Close your eyes and apply gentle pressure with your fingertips around the eye socket
- Use circular motions starting at the inner corner of the eye and moving outward
- Continue for 1-2 minutes per eye
- Practice 2-3 times daily, ideally morning and evening
Some individuals report temporary relief after eye massage. One 52-year-old teacher shared that regular eye massage helped him feel less distracted by his floaters during reading sessions, though the effect was temporary.
Caution: Never apply pressure directly to the eyeball itself. If you feel any pain, stop immediately.
4. Adequate Sleep and Rest
Sleep allows your eyes to rest and recover. During sleep, your eyes clear out metabolic waste, and proper rest may help reduce eye strain that can make floaters more noticeable.
How to implement:
- Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night
- Create a dark, cool sleeping environment
- Establish a regular sleep schedule
- Consider using a sleep mask to block out light completely
- Take short eye breaks during screen time (follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds)
While no studies directly link sleep to floater reduction, research in the Journal of Sleep Research indicates that sleep deprivation can increase visual disturbances and affect overall visual processing. This potentially makes floaters more disruptive.
5. Ginkgo Biloba Supplementation
Ginkgo biloba is known for improving circulation, including ocular blood flow. Better circulation may help maintain vitreous health and potentially aid in the clearing of cellular debris that contributes to floaters.
How to implement:
- Typical dosage ranges from 120-240mg daily (divided into two or three doses)
- Look for standardized extracts containing 24-32% flavonoid glycosides and 6-12% terpene lactones
- Continue for at least 8-12 weeks to evaluate effects
- Consult with a healthcare provider before starting, especially if taking blood thinners
A 2012 study found that ginkgo biloba extract improved ocular blood flow in patients with glaucoma. This can help get rid of eye floaters.
6. Hyaluronic Acid Supplements
Hyaluronic acid is naturally present in the vitreous humor and helps maintain its gel-like consistency. Some believe supplementation may support vitreous health and potentially reduce floater formation.
How to implement:
- Typical oral dosages range from 100-200mg daily
- Look for high-quality supplements, preferably those specifically formulated for eye health
- It may take several months to notice any potential benefits
- Consider hyaluronic acid-containing eye drops as a complementary approach
Scientific evidence specifically for floater reduction is limited, but hyaluronic acid’s role in maintaining vitreous structure makes it a logical supplement to explore. It’s widely used in ophthalmology for dry eye treatments, demonstrating its general eye health benefits.
7. Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation
Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties and support overall eye health. They may help reduce inflammation that could contribute to vitreous changes associated with floater formation.
How to implement:
- Aim for 1,000-2,000mg of combined EPA and DHA daily
- Choose high-quality fish oil or algae-based supplements (for vegetarians/vegans)
- Alternatively, increase consumption of fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines
- Consider flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts for plant-based sources
A 2017 meta-analysis found that omega-3 supplementation had beneficial effects on several eye conditions. While not specific to floaters, the anti-inflammatory benefits may support overall eye health.
8. Bromelain Enzyme Therapy
Bromelain, a protein-digesting enzyme found in pineapple, has anti-inflammatory properties. Some alternative medicine practitioners suggest it may help break down the protein structures in floaters over time.
How to implement:
- Typical supplementation ranges from 500-2,000mg daily between meals
- Look for supplements measured in GDUs (Gelatin Digesting Units) or MCUs (Milk Clotting Units)
- Start with lower doses and increase gradually
- Continue for at least 8-12 weeks to evaluate effects
While clinical studies specific to eye floaters are lacking, some naturopathic doctors report anecdotal success with bromelain for reducing inflammation-related eye conditions.
Dr. Michael Trayford, a functional neurologist, notes that several of his patients reported subjective improvements in floater symptoms after 3-6 months of bromelain supplementation.
9. Vitamin C Supplementation
Vitamin C is crucial for collagen production, which helps maintain the structure of the eye, including the vitreous. As an antioxidant, it may also help protect against oxidative damage that could contribute to floater formation.
How to implement:
- Consider supplementation of 500-1,000mg daily (divided doses)
- Increase dietary sources, including citrus fruits, bell peppers, strawberries, and broccoli
- Look for supplements with bioflavonoids for better absorption
- Start with lower doses to avoid digestive discomfort
Plus, a study found that vitamin C supplementation helped protect against age-related eye changes.
10. Eye Exercises for Adaptation
While eye exercises won’t physically remove floaters, they can help train your brain to better ignore them and improve your eyes’ focusing ability, making floaters less disruptive.
How to implement:
- Tracking exercise: Follow an object from left to right, then up and down, without moving your head
- Focus shifting: Alternate focusing on objects at different distances (near, middle, far)
- Figure eight: Trace an imaginary figure eight with your eyes
- Palming: Rub your hands together, then gently place them over closed eyes
- Practice these exercises for 5-10 minutes, 2-3 times daily
Many floater sufferers report that while exercises don’t eliminate floaters, they help reduce their psychological impact. One 36-year-old programmer shared that after practicing eye exercises consistently for six weeks, he became much less aware of his floaters during computer work.
11. Castor Oil Eye Drops
Castor oil has anti-inflammatory properties and has been used in traditional medicine for various eye conditions. Some believe it may help lubricate the eye and potentially reduce the perception of floaters.
Some Ayurvedic practitioners recommend castor oil eye drops (Netra Basti) for various eye conditions. Dr. Vasant Lad, a prominent Ayurvedic physician, suggests that properly prepared castor oil can support eye health, though he doesn’t specifically claim it reduces floaters.
How to implement:
- Use only pharmaceutical-grade, hexane-free castor oil specifically marketed for eye use
- Apply 1-2 drops in each eye before bedtime
- Start with just once weekly to test tolerance, gradually increasing frequency
- Never use regular castor oil, not specifically formulated for ocular use
Caution: This remedy has limited scientific backing and should be approached with extreme caution. Only use products specifically designed for ocular use.
12. Acupuncture
Traditional Chinese Medicine suggests that eye floaters may be related to liver and kidney imbalances. Acupuncture aims to restore energy flow and balance, potentially improving blood circulation to the eyes and reducing floater perception.
How to implement:
- Seek treatment from a licensed acupuncturist experienced in eye conditions
- Typical treatment involves points around the eyes, as well as those associated with the liver and kidney meridians
- A course typically involves 6-10 sessions over several weeks
- May be combined with Chinese herbal medicine for enhanced effects
13. Reduce Stress Through Mindfulness
Stress can increase awareness of physical symptoms, including floaters. Mindfulness practices help reduce stress and may decrease how much attention you give to floaters, making them less bothersome.
How to implement:
- Practice daily meditation focusing on breath for 10-20 minutes
- Try body scan meditation to release tension
- Consider apps like Headspace or Calm that offer guided meditations
- Practice mindfulness during daily activities, bringing full attention to simple tasks
- Consider yoga or tai chi, which combine mindfulness with gentle movement
A 2018 study found that mindfulness-based interventions significantly reduced symptoms of various somatic conditions. While not specific to floaters, these findings suggest mindfulness may help manage the perception of and response to physical symptoms.
14. Bilberry Extract
Bilberry is rich in anthocyanosides, powerful antioxidants that strengthen blood vessels and improve circulation in the eyes. These properties may support overall eye health and potentially help manage conditions that contribute to floaters.
How to implement:
- Look for standardized extracts containing 25% anthocyanosides
- Typical dosage ranges from 120-240mg twice daily
- It may take 3-6 months to notice potential benefits
- Can be combined with vitamin C for potentially enhanced effects
Bilberry gained popularity during World War II when Royal Air Force pilots reported improved night vision after consuming bilberry jam. Modern research, including a study in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, confirms bilberry’s beneficial effects on eye health.
15. Sun Gazing Practice (Safe Methods)
This practice involves looking at the sun during safe periods (within 10 minutes of sunrise or sunset) when UV radiation is minimal. Some practitioners believe this helps strengthen the eyes and may influence floater perception.
How to implement SAFELY:
- ONLY practice within the first 10 minutes after sunrise or the last 10 minutes before sunset
- Start with just 10 seconds and gradually build up to no more than 1-2 minutes
- Always keep sessions brief and within safe timeframes
- Stand barefoot on natural ground if possible (earth, grass, or sand)
- Follow with palming exercise (covering closed eyes with palms)
Looking directly at the sun at any other time can cause serious and permanent eye damage. This practice remains controversial and lacks scientific validation. Consider discussing with an eye care professional before attempting.
16. Regular Physical Exercise
Exercise improves overall circulation, including blood flow to the eyes. Better circulation may help maintain eye health and potentially reduce the formation of new floaters, though it won’t eliminate existing ones.
How to implement:
- Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise 5 days a week
- Include both cardiovascular activities (walking, swimming, cycling) and strength training
- Consider exercises that promote head-down positions (like certain yoga poses), which some believe may shift floaters away from central vision
- Avoid high-impact exercises if you have retinal tears or detachment
- Stay hydrated before, during, and after exercise
While no studies directly link exercise to floater reduction, research published in Progress in Retinal and Eye Research confirms that regular physical activity reduces the risk of several eye conditions.
Prevention: Reducing Risk of New Floaters
While the natural remedies above focus on managing existing floaters, these preventative strategies may help reduce the risk of developing new ones:
Protect Your Eyes from UV Damage:
- Wear quality sunglasses with 100% UV protection
- Use wide-brimmed hats when in bright sunlight
- Consider photochromic lenses that adjust to light conditions
Manage Underlying Health Conditions:
- Keep diabetes well-controlled
- Manage hypertension through diet, exercise, and medication if prescribed
- Address inflammatory conditions that might affect eye health
Eye Protection During Activities:
- Wear appropriate eye protection during sports and hazardous activities
- Take precautions during high-risk hobbies that could cause eye injury
Regular Eye Examinations:
- Schedule comprehensive eye exams every 1-2 years
- More frequent check-ups if you have existing eye conditions
- Promptly report any vision changes to your eye care provider
Living With Eye Floaters: Psychological Adaptation
For many people, learning to live with floaters becomes an important coping strategy. Here are some approaches that have helped others:
Shift Your Perspective:
- Remind yourself that floaters are generally harmless
- View them as a natural part of aging rather than a disease
- Consider keeping a journal to track when they’re most noticeable
Cognitive Behavioral Techniques:
- Practice thought stopping when you find yourself focusing too much on floaters
- Use positive affirmations about your vision
- Develop specific distraction techniques for high-stress moments
Practical Adjustments:
- Adjust screen brightness and contrast on digital devices
- Consider using reader mode or night mode to reduce stark contrast
- Position reading materials to minimize floater interference
- Try different lighting conditions to find what works best for you
Medical Treatments for Persistent Eye Floaters
If natural remedies don’t provide sufficient relief and your floaters significantly impact your quality of life, medical interventions are available. These include:
Vitrectomy: A surgical procedure that removes the vitreous gel and replaces it with a salt solution. This is generally reserved for severe cases due to potential risks, including retinal tears, cataracts, and infection.
YAG Laser Vitreolysis: A laser procedure that breaks up floaters into smaller, less noticeable pieces. This is less invasive than vitrectomy but has variable success rates and is still considered somewhat controversial by some ophthalmologists.
Always discuss these options thoroughly with a specialist, weighing potential benefits against risks.
When to See a Doctor?
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Sudden increase in the number or size of floaters
- Flashes of light in the same eye as the floaters
- Darkness or shadows in your peripheral vision
- A curtain-like shadow over your visual field
- Blurry central vision
- Eye pain or redness
These symptoms could indicate serious conditions requiring prompt treatment. The remedies discussed in this article are meant to complement professional care, not replace it.
