Natural Remedies For Eye Floaters + Causes & Prevention Tips

Safe and natural ways to prevent eye floaters from posing a hurdle to your vision.

Medically reviewed by M. Narendran MuthukrishnanM. Narendran Muthukrishnan, MBBS, ICO, FRCS, FMRF, AM (Mal)
Fact-checked by Dipti SharmaDipti Sharma
Edited by Ravi Teja TadimallaRavi Teja Tadimalla, Professional Certificate In Food, Nutrition & Health
Written by Sucharita MishraSucharita Mishra  • 
Natural Remedies For Eye Floaters + Causes & Prevention Tips

Image: Shutterstock

You may be surprised to know this, but there are home and herbal remedies for floaters. Yes, those floating particles that spiral and run around in your range of vision have a name for themselves and some remedies if you want to get rid of them.

Eye floaters are tiny patches of vitreous (a jelly-like substance in the eyes) that drift about when a person moves their eyes. Floaters in the eyes can appear as black or grey specks or even look like cobwebs. Although growing age is a common cause of eye floaters, they can also be caused by a range of other illnesses. If you’re wondering how to reduce floaters in eyes naturally, Continue reading to find out more about eye floaters and how to get rid of them naturally.

Home Remedies To Treat Eye Floaters

1. Beetroot Juice

Beetroots are rich in active compounds called carotenoids (1). Carotenoids like lutein and zeaxanthin are necessary components for macular and retinal health (2). Hence, beetroot may help in treating eye disease like eye floaters.

You Will Need

Fresh beetroot juice

What You Have To Do

Drink a glass of fresh beetroot juice.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this 2 times a day. 

2. Vitamins

Vitamins play an important role in maintaining a healthy vision. Vitamin A improves eyesight (3). Vitamin C supports the formation of collagen and is necessary for stronger retinal capillaries and eye tissues (4). Hence, vitamin A and vitamin C may help in treating eye floaters.

You Will Need

Foods rich in vitamins A and C (carrots, spinach, kale, citrus fruits, eggs, and butter)

What You Have To Do

Consume these foods.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this regularly. 

3. Castor Oil

Castor oil contains ricinoleic acid that alleviates inflammation (5). Hence, castor oil may help in improving the symptoms of eye floaters by reducing inflammation. Ensure the oil you are using is of high quality and free of impurities, as low-grade oil applied to the eyes may lead to irritation.

You Will Need

Organic castor oil

What You Have To Do
  1. Pour a drop or two of 100% organic castor oil into each eye.
  2. Leave it on overnight and wash your eyes the next morning.
How Often You Should Do This

Do this once a day, preferably before bedtime. 

Related: Top 11 Castor Oil Benefits For Health, Uses, & Side Effects

4. Frankincense Essential Oil

Frankincense essential oils in bottles as a remedy for eye floaters
Image: Shutterstock

Frankincense oil possesses anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties (6). Hence, it may help in reversing retinal cell degradation and damage. This may help in treating eye floaters.

You Will Need

Frankincense oil

What You Have To Do
  1. Spread a drop of frankincense essential oil between your fingers.
  2. Apply this above your eyebrows and across the top of your cheekbones.
How Often You Should Do This

Do this 1-2 times a day. 

5. Green Tea

Green tea is abundant in antioxidants and may help in improving vision by strengthening the retinal tissues (7), while providing hydration.

You Will Need
  • 1 teaspoon of green tea
  • 1 cup of water
  • Honey
What You Have To Do
  1. Add a teaspoon of green tea to a cup of water.
  2. Bring it to a boil in a saucepan and simmer for 5 minutes.
  3. Strain and let the tea cool a bit.
  4. Add some honey to the green tea and consume immediately.
How Often You Should Do This

Do this 3 times a day. 

Related: 13 Amazing Benefits Of Green Tea And Its Side Effects

6. Omega-3 Supplements

Omega-3s are polyunsaturated fatty acids that possess anti-inflammatory properties (8). They reduce inflammation in eyes to a great extent (9). Hence, omega-3s may be one of the best remedies to treat eye floaters.

You Will Need

1000 mg omega-3 supplements

What You Have To Do

Consume 1000 mg omega-3 supplements after consulting your doctor.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this once a day. 

7. Lemon Juice

Lemons are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants (10). These work great in repairing degenerative macular and retinal tissues. Lemon juice may help in treating eye floaters.

You Will Need
  • 1/2 lemon
  • 1 glass of water
  • Honey
What You Have To Do
  1. Squeeze the extract from half a lemon into a glass of water.
  2. Add some honey to it.
  3. Consume it immediately.
How Often You Should Do This

Do this 3-4 times a day. 

8. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties (11). It may reduce inflammation in the retinal tissues and protect the eyes from oxidative stressi  XAn imbalance between the creation and detoxification of free oxygen molecules with uneven electrons that damages retinal cells. . Hence, apple cider vinegar may be a good option for treating eye floaters.

You Will Need
  • 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 cup of warm water
  • Cotton pads
What You Have To Do
  1. Add a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to half a cup of water and mix well.
  2. Soak two cotton pads in this solution and place them on closed eyelids.
  3. Leave them on for 30 to 60 minutes.
How Often You Should Do This

Do this 1-2 times a day.

9. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil contains medium-chain fatty acids. These fatty acids help in reducing inflammation and oxidative stress caused by free radicals (12). Hence, it may aid in repairing retinal and macular tissues and reduce eye floaters.

You Will Need

Coconut oil

What You Have To Do
  1. Rub a teaspoon of coconut oil between your palms.
  2. Close your eyelids and place your palms over them.
  3. Hold your hands over your eyes for 5 to 10 minutes.
How Often You Should Do This

Do this 1-2 times a day.

Related: 25 Benefits Of Coconut Oil, Types, How To Include In Your Diet

10. Carrot Juice

Bottles of carrot juice as a remedy for eye floaters
Image: Shutterstock

Carrots are rich in antioxidants and vitamin A (13). Hence, regular intake of carrots may provide the required nutrient to the eyes. This may help get rid of various eye conditions like eye floaters.

You Will Need

Freshly extracted carrot juice

What You Have To Do

Consume a cup of fresh carrot juice.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this once a day. 

11. Flaxseed Oil

Flax seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids (14). Omega-3 fatty acids are great for promoting eye health. Hence, flaxseed oil may help in treating eye floaters.

You Will Need

Flaxseed oil

What You Have To Do
  1. Rub a teaspoon of flaxseed oil between your hands.
  2. Place them over your closed eyelids for 5 minutes.
  3. Alternatively, you can apply the flaxseed oil above your eyebrows and cheekbones and leave it on overnight.
How Often You Should Do This

Do this 1-2 times a day. 

12. Goji Berries

Goji berries contain zeaxanthin (15). It is an antioxidant that is necessary for the proper functioning of the eyes. Hence, regular consumption of goji berries may help in treating the condition.

You Will Need

1/4 cup of dried goji berries

What You Have To Do

Consume one-fourth cup of dried goji berries.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this once a day. 

13. Grape Seed Extract

Grape seeds contain oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes (OPCs) (16). These OPCs exhibit powerful antioxidant properties. Hence, grape seeds may aid in treating eye floaters.

You Will Need

Grape seed supplements

What You Have To Do

Consume 100 mg of grape seed supplements after consulting your doctor.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this 2 to 3 times a day or as specified by your doctor.

14. Garlic

Garlic possesses strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties (17). These therapeutic properties of garlic may help in repairing the damaged eye tissues that may lead to eye floaters.

You Will Need

Minced garlic cloves

What You Have To Do
  1. Add minced garlic cloves to your favorite salad or pasta and consume daily.
  2. Alternatively, you can also directly chew on the garlic cloves if you can withstand the strong flavor.
How Often You Should Do This

Do this daily. 

15. Ginger

Sliced and whole ginger pieces as a remedy for eye floaters
Image: Shutterstock

Gingerol is an important component of ginger. This compound exhibits excellent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties (18). These help in reducing damage due to oxidative stress and combats inflammation in the eyes.

You Will Need
  • 1-2 inches of grated ginger
  • 1 cup of water
  • Honey
What You Have To Do
  1. Add an inch or two of grated ginger to a cup of water. Add grated ginger to water and boil for 5 minutes.
  2. Strain and let the tea cool a bit.
  3. Add some honey and consume immediately.
How Often You Should Do This

Do this 3-4 times a day.

16. Ghee

Ghee is an age-old Ayurvedic remedy to restore the health of the eyes. This treatment is referred to as netra basti and is believed to be great for eye floater treatment. However, there is no scientific research to back this claim.

You Will Need

1/4 cup of ghee

What You Have To Do
  1. Warm one-fourth cup of ghee and allow it to cool.
  2. Wash each of your eyes with the ghee for at least 5 minutes.

Note: This procedure can be a little messy and is best done in the bathroom.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this once every alternate night. 

17. Amla Juice

Amla exhibits antioxidant properties (19). This is due to the vitamin C present in it. These properties may help in repairing the damages to eye tissues.

You Will Need
  • Amla juice
  • 1 cup of water
  • Honey
What You Have To Do
  1. Mix freshly extracted amla juice in a cup of water.
  2. Add a little honey to this and consume it directly.
How Often You Should Do This

Do this once a day. 

18. Aloe Vera Juice

Aloe vera exhibits rich antioxidant properties (20). These antioxidant properties may repair damaged tissues in the eye (21). They may also aid in the recovery of eye floaters.

You Will Need

1 cup of aloe vera juice

What You Have To Do
  1. Drink a cup of aloe vera juice.
  2. Alternately, you can also dab some aloe vera gel on your eyes every once in a while.
How Often You Should Do This

Do this once a day. 

19. Onion

Onion contains quercetin, which is a powerful antioxidant (22). Quercetin is helpful in treating various eye diseases (23). Hence, onions may help in treating eye floaters.

You Will Need

Onion

What You Have To Do

Consume the sliced pieces of onion regularly.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this 2 times a day.

20. Rose Water

Bottles of rose water as a remedy for eye floaters
Image: Shutterstock

Rose water possesses powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties (24). These properties may help in healing damaged eye tissues and inflammation within the eye cells that causes eye floaters.

You Will Need

Rose water

What You Have To Do
  1. Pour a drop or two of rose water in each of your eyes.
  2. Blink a few times and allow it to be absorbed by your eyes.
How Often You Should Do This

Do this 3-4 times a day.

While natural remedies may help in combating eye floaters, they may not help in preventing their recurrence. The following are some tips to follow to prevent the recurrence of eye floaters.

Prevention Tips

  • Use sunglasses to protect the eyes from the harmful rays of the sun.
  • Avoid straining the eyes.
  • Follow a healthy diet.
  • Do eye exercises.
  • Practice yoga.
  • Drink lots of water.

Although eye floaters are often a result of advancing age, a few other factors may cause them. They are listed below.

What Causes Eye Floaters?

  • Age-related changes in your eyes
  • Inflamed eyes
  • Bleeding from the eyes
  • Torn retina
  • Certain eye medications and/or surgery
  • Medical conditions like diabetes, hypertensioni  XHigh blood pressure; blood pressure over 140/90 indicates the blood exerting too much force on the artery walls. , and injuries
  • Nearsightedness
protip_icon Did You Know?
Limit screen time. Electronic screens can aggravate eye floaters. Hence, taking a break every 1 hour can help your eyes relax.

Signs And Symptoms Of Eye Floaters

  • Small dark specks or strings floating in the field of vision
  • Spots in the field of vision that are visible when looking at plain and bright backgrounds.

Eye floaters are classified into different types, depending on their shape. There are mainly five types of eye floaters and are discussed below. 

Types Of Eye Floaters

Fibrous strands floating in the field of vision are among the common types of eye floaters
Image: Shutterstock

(i) Fibrous Strands: Fibrous strands in the field of vision are the most common (and harmless) type of eye floaters. Fibrous shapes are a result of collagen breakdown.

(ii) Cloud-Like Floaters: Cloud-like floaters are diffused and less defined than the fibrous strands. The natural aging process leads to the visibility of such floaters.

(iii) Weiss Rings: Weiss rings are larger floaters that are ring-shaped. They are often formed when the vitreous tissue surrounding the optic nerve detaches itself. 

(iv) Flashes Of Light: These are not exactly eye floaters. However, one can see flashes of light when the vitreous membranei  XThe collagen layer separating the area around the lens from the remaining posterior of the eye. stimulates the retina during its detachment. 

(v) Dots: Dots or specks appear in the line of vision when there’s a tear in the retina. The tear may have caused blood to leak into the vitreous membrane, causing the visible dots.

Maintaining a healthy diet is important to enhance the health of the eyes. Given below is a list of foods that are best for accelerating recovery and preventing eye floaters.

Best Foods For Eye Floaters

  • Green leafy vegetables, like spinach and kale.
  • Fish, like salmon, tuna, and sardines.
  • Nuts rich in protein, like walnuts, pistachios, and almonds.
  • Citrus and other fruits, like oranges, kiwis, strawberries, and bilberry.
  • Shellfish, like oysters.
  • Other herbal and natural ingredients and extracts like ginkgo biloba, turmeric, chamomile, eyebright, calendula, fennel, coriander, carrom seeds, Triphala, nettle, milk thistle, dandelion, almond oil, and black seed oil.
  • Consuming supplements or foods rich with magnesium, zinc, selenium, copper, iron, vitamin E and vitamin B12, folate, beta-carotene, prebiotics, probiotics, fiber; flavonoids like rutin, polyphenols like resveratrol and anthocyanins.

You can choose food alternatives based on your preferences and lifestyle that are non-GMO, gluten-free, dairy-free, sugar-free, low-carb, and ketogenic.

protip_icon Did You Know?
Consuming pineapple regularly may help reduce eye floaters naturally. The enzyme bromelain in the fruit is thought to dissolve collagen, a protein found in eye floaters.

Eye floaters may be annoying, but they usually clear up on their own. However, make sure to consult a doctor to rule out any serious underlying conditions and discuss appropriate treatment options as eye floaters may indicate pathological or physiological issues.

Infographic: Top 7 DIY Remedies For Eye Floaters

Eye floaters may occur due to aging, surgery, inflammation, aging, diabetes, hypertension, or even prolonged screen time. They can be annoying or even point toward an underlying health issue. Check the infographic below for easy DIY home remedies for eye floaters.

top 7 diy remedies for eye floaters (infographic)
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Eye floaters are jelly-like substances that drift across the line of vision. They are usually caused due to age-related changes in the eyes, but may also occur due to conditions like inflammation, health issues, nearsightedness, eye bleeding, a torn retina, or certain eye medications. There are various types of floaters, classified on the basis of their shapes and forms, including Weiss rings, fibrous strands, flashes, dots, or cloud-like floaters. You can also benefit from different relaxation exercises, meditation, yoga, and acupuncture. While these floaters generally clear up on their own, you may benefit from home remedies, and making some lifestyle changes will help get rid of them quickly.

Uncover the surprising benefit of pineapple in treating eye floaters. Watch the video below to learn how this tropical fruit can improve your vision and bring clarity back to your eyes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best eye exercises for floaters?

Exercises like blinking, breathing, meditating, as well as massaging the acupressure points around the eyes may help deal with eye floaters. You can also opt for mindfulness-based stress reduction, traditional Chinese medicine, reflexology, naturopathy, homeopathy, aromatherapy, chiropractic massage, osteopathy, hypnotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychotherapy, counseling, support groups, or self-help therapies that might work for you.

How long do eye floaters last?

Eye floaters may never disappear completely for some individuals. They, however, usually get smaller and are less noticeable in a few weeks or months.

Can pineapple cure eye floaters?

Yes. A Taiwanese study found that consuming pineapple may help reduce eye floaters and other vision-related complications. Researchers credited the pineapple enzyme “bromelain” as the reason the treatment is effective (25).

Are eye floaters protein?

Yes, protein and other wasted cell materials make up eye floaters.

Key Takeaways

  • Vitamins A and C have a marvelous effect on reducing eye floaters and on overall eye health. To leverage those benefits, include spinach, citrus fruits, carrots, etc., in your diet.
  • Beetroot juice is also a great remedy for eye floaters. The high degree of carotenoids is good for your retina.
  • Berry, dark leafy greens, and nuts are foods that are strong in antioxidants and can reduce eye floaters. For the same reason, developing a habit of drinking green tea can also work wonders.
  • Stress reduction through meditation, eye exercises, and other relaxation methods can enhance eye health in general and lessen the occurrence of eye floaters.

Sources

Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Check out our editorial policy for further details.
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