Eye Floaters

[qbert]

I know this is a long shot, but does anyone know of any effective way to reduce eye floaters, short of surgery? From what I've read online, it seems that there really isn't any way to do this. The reason I'm asking here is because I once thought there was nothing I could do about my myopia but Todd has shown me that isn't true. I'm still hoping there is some way for my body to get rid of them on its own. Thanks!

[OtisBrown]

1) Floaters.  I have them.  I don't "like" them.  They do not prevent clear distant vision for me. (I confirm 20/40 or better on my Snellen.)  So they are annoying, but don't affect anything I am doing.
What can be done?  You are correct -- surgery, but that is both high-risk and very expensive.  Not worth it.
2) Todd and his Snellen clearing.  I deeply appreciate Todd's success -- I think we all are.  I wish all peple would be informed of the possiblity of plus-prevention before any (exacerbating) minus lens was place on their face.  But I am a "dreamer" if I think that is going to happen any time soon.  (Just my opinion).  Keep posting and following the arguments.  For my part, I don't "argue" so much, but attempt to present science and facts, so that the person himself can "reason out" the need to clear his Snellen before it goes below 20/60 to 20/70.  I know that the rate of "improvement" is about +1/2 diopter per year -- but that is a result of long-term studies of this issue.  These discussions are of value to those people who are at 20/70, and with great force-of-character and will, can continue to wear their plus (at the just-blur point), and get their Snellen to 20/40 or better -- as a excellent goal.  Best, Otis

[jansen]

Hello,

I also have eye floaters, but they are transparent-string like figures with circles inside of them. The best way to deal with eye floaters is to simply ignore them, because the brain tends to zone out images after a while. Certain supplements  such as grape seed may also help the eye to filter out debris, but there is no information to confirm this.

[Todd Becker]

qbert,

I'm no expert on this, but I found a link suggesting that:

1.  There is not much you can do about existing floaters, but the brain learns to ignore them with time.

2.  The real problem is how to stop new floaters from occuring. A quick scan of the internet indicates that diets high in sugar, poor blood sugar control and pre-diabetes or diabetes are associated with the formation of eye floaters and cataracts.  So it appears that the "paleo" or low carb diet advocated on this blog may help at least prevent new floaters from forming.  A low carb diet, with exercise and fasting, will tend to lower insulin and this favors a process called "autophagy" or "self-digestion".  Sounds horrible, but it is in fact the natural process by which your cells eliminate damaged (oxidized, glycated or denatured) tissue.  Since floaters consist of denatured protein in the vitreous layer of the eye, it is reasonable to hypothesize that lowering your insulin levels will inhibit and perhaps even reverse floaters.

http://www.aboutfloaters.com/cure.htm

That said, I could not find any hard scientific studies to support my statements above.  This is all just my reasonable speculation, based on putting two and two together.  But no guarantees.

Todd