If you look up at the sky on a clear day, you may notice small spider web-like structures floating in your field of vision. They are known as floaters, or more formally, Muscae volitantes, which in Latin means “flying flies.”
Like regular flies, flies are also quite a nuisance, so it’s no wonder people want to get rid of them. recent articles mirror,”Floaters: their causes and how to get rid of them naturally” claims to have a solution.
In the article, general practitioner Sarah Brewer is quoted as saying that a supplement called Clearer, made by Theia Bio, is a “natural but effective solution to annoying floaters.” Despite the headline promise, Dr. Brewer doesn’t talk about removing floaters.
Theia Bio Website Use more precise language. It says: “Clearer contains a blend of antioxidants and anti-glycation micronutrients that has been scientifically shown to reduce the size and visual discomfort of floaters over a six-month period in approximately 70 percent of test subjects. has been proven.”
Before we consider the feasibility of supplements to “cope” with annoying floaters or reduce their size, let’s take a look at what floaters are and why they occur. Let’s see what it does.
The main cause of floaters is aging. As we age, the vitreous, the clear gel-like substance inside the eye, thickens and begins to shrink. The vitreous body is mainly composed of water, collagen, and an acid called hyaluronic acid. Over time, the vitreous degenerates slightly and small collagen clumps begin to form. Floaters are the shadows these clumps cast on the retina.
As we age, it is normal for the vitreous to separate from the back of the eye. this is, Posterior vitreous detachmentwhich causes floaters.
Is it possible? vitamin Can supplements affect collagen clumps and chains to improve the vitreous?
In 2022, Taiwanese researcher reported that taking a high dose of mixed fruit enzyme supplements can reduce floaters, but it is not clear how they measured the number of floaters, so without further information this study It is difficult to judge properly.
Theia Bio, the partner company where Dr. Brewer was speaking, Link to research It is listed on the company’s website as scientific evidence that the Clearer supplement can “reduce the size and visual discomfort of floaters.”
However, because the vitreous is mobile, measuring floaters is difficult. Every time you move your eyes, the vitreous opacities (objects floating in the vitreous) move, and the floaters (shadows cast by the vitreous opacities) also move.
Because vitreous masses are 3D rather than 2D, viewing them from different angles will affect the measurements, and floaters will appear larger when they are closer to the front of your eye. The reduction in opacity size in this study was based on only 26 people who ingested the formulation, and opacity size was reported in 2D measurements (cm²).
This small trial does not give us confidence that this dietary supplement can reduce the size of floaters.
What about other solutions?
There are several medical ways to get rid of floaters. The most accepted is the procedure called. vitrectomythe vitreous is surgically removed. However, this surgery poses far more serious risks to a person’s vision than the floaters themselves.
Using a laser (known as a YAG laser) to remove floaters is another option, but not all experts agree that this is safe. The worry is that some private companies are offering this treatment as a good solution. Damage report This results in different eye structures and glaucoma.
Other “solutions” suggested online include: intermittent fasting, Temple massage and shiatsusimilarly eye exercises. However, there is no reliable evidence for these.
More generally, there is some evidence that lifestyle factors can accelerate or slow down eye aging, whether it’s the age at which you first notice floaters or how big they are or how much of a problem they are. It may affect the
For example, eating lots of carotenoid-rich vegetables (spinach, broccoli, watermelon, pink grapefruit) and fatty fish, which contain omega-3s, can help people There is a risk of age-related macular degeneration.
New evidence also suggests overexposure. blue light Influences from mobile phones, tablet computers, and LCD screens can also accelerate age-related aging changes in eyes. But while it’s great to slow eye aging, there’s no proof that it can prevent floaters.
So, what should you do if you are suffering from floaters? In most cases, your best bet is to ignore it. Over time, the brain adapts and we notice them less.
you You are more likely to get floaters Those who are nearsighted, have had cataract surgery, or have eye inflammation (swelling). And more floaters may occur in the following cases: have diabetesso managing blood sugar levels and diabetes is important.
In some cases, floaters can be a sign of a serious condition. If you suddenly notice a large number of new floaters or flashes, or if you notice shadows or gray curtains falling over your vision, this may indicate a retinal tear that requires emergency surgery. .
judgment
Can supplements “address” collagen clumps in the vitreous? There is little evidence to support this at this time.
Can supplements and lifestyle changes slow the aging process in the eyes and delay the onset of age-related floaters? probably.
Dr. Brewer recommends a nutritious diet, hydration, and sleep, all great ways to stay healthy. Although it is doubtful whether it has a direct effect on floaters, it is good health advice in general and may slow down the eye aging process that causes floaters.
Kawa Wong, founder of Theia Bio, told The Conversation that the company “does not promise a cure for floaters; rather, based on the available scientific evidence, “We provide the best nutritional support for people.”
charlotte codinainstructor, orthoptist, University of Sheffield
This article is republished from conversation Under Creative Commons License. please read original article.
A previous version of this article was published in July 2023.
