The vitreous floaters, technically called miodesopsie or in jargon also "flying flies", are tiny dots found in the vitreous humor, which constitutes the structure of the eyes and generally has the consistency of a semi-liquid gel. This gelatinous mass provides many benefits, for example "fills" the eyeball, helps defend the eyes from pathogens, supplies nutrients to the tissues and plays an important role in the refraction of light. Floating bodies are usually not dangerous, but they can be annoying.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Remove them
Step 1. Do nothing
Be patient and you will see that most of these tiny dots will disappear on their own without the need for any medical intervention. Take into account the following aspects:
- Know that this is the recommendation made by most doctors; if you try to remove them, you can irritate your eyes.
- Don't tease your eyes and let them naturally absorb the "flying flies".
- If you let your eyes get used to them, you will notice them less and less over time.
Step 2. Get antioxidant vitamins
These supplements offer benefits to those who suffer from a disorder called macular degeneration; doctors therefore believe that they can also be useful for eliminating floaters. Choose an antioxidant from those listed below:
- Rosehip.
- Turmeric.
- Hawthorn berries.
- Concentrated propolis.
Step 3. Take supplements to increase blood flow
When the blood circulates correctly it can improve the health of the eyes and favor a greater expulsion of gelatinous proteins from the vitreous body; choose a supplement from those listed below:
- Ginkgo biloba.
- Lysine.
- Blueberry.
Step 4. Take over-the-counter medications
Taking medicines that help relieve other ailments may help. Try one of the following:
- Anti-inflammatories such as aspirin.
- Methylsulfonylmethane.
- Hyaluronic acid.
Step 5. Move your eyes
Try these exercises to reduce the effect of the corpuscles:
- Move them up and down to move the vitreous body.
- Open and close your eyelids.
- Move your gaze to avoid staring directly at the floaters.
Method 2 of 3: Prevent them
Step 1. Follow proper nutrition
Promote eye health by eating healthy foods such as:
- Rich in antioxidants that protect the eyes, such as spinach, broccoli, kale, kiwi and grapes.
- Rich in vitamin C which helps strengthen the immune system, such as oranges, grapefruits, strawberries, green peppers.
- With a high content of vitamin E to strengthen the eyes, such as sunflower seeds, almonds, pecans and wheat germ.
Step 2. Get adequate sleep
Getting enough sleep can stop floaters from forming. Keep these aspects in mind:
- Try to get at least 8 hours of sleep a night.
- Sleep promotes eye health.
- Know that you can more easily notice floaters when your eyes are clouded due to insufficient sleep.
Step 3. Reduce Stress
Use emotional tension management techniques to try to stop "flying flies" from forming. Here are some ways to prevent stress:
- Meditation.
- Yoga.
- Pilates.
- Tai chi.
- Positive attitude.
- Deep breathing.
Method 3 of 3: Seeking Medical Treatment
Step 1. Define if you need to see an ophthalmologist
Although 98% of floaters are harmless, you need to understand if the symptoms may be a sign of some serious disease. See your doctor right away if you experience any of the following signs:
- Loss of vision.
- Blurred or blurred vision.
- Eye pain.
- Bright flashes.
- Floaters formed after eye surgery or trauma.
- They appeared suddenly.
- They get worse quickly.
Step 2. Recognize the risk of an underlying disorder
Be sure to see an eye doctor right away if you have symptoms that may indicate any more serious medical conditions. See if you have any of the following diseases:
- Retinal break.
- Retinal detachment.
- Vitreous haemorrhage (bleeding between the lens and the retina).
- Vitreous and retinal inflammation (caused by infections or autoimmune inflammation).
- Eye cancer.
- Diabetic retinopathy.
Step 3. Assess if you are at risk
Be aware that some categories of people may be more prone to having vitreous floaters than others. If you fall into the following groups, pay particular attention to the presence of floaters:
- You are nearsighted.
- You are between the ages of 50 and 75.
- You have undergone cataract surgery.
Step 4. Know the different types of treatment
Be aware that each option carries risks; therefore, most doctors try not to proceed unless absolutely necessary. Ask your ophthalmologist for more details about the following solutions if you have any dangerous underlying disease that is causing floaters:
- Vitrectomy: is a surgical procedure that removes the vitreous body from the eyes.
- Laser treatment: it is able to decompose floaters using a YAG laser. Although some ophthalmologists claim that this procedure leads to good results, there is no evidence that simultaneously demonstrates its safety and efficacy.
