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Eye Floaters: definition

Small clumps of cells or tissue that “float” in the clear gel of the vitreous body, the large chamber of the eyeball behind the lens and before the retina.  Light travels through the clear lens and vitreous gel to focus on the retina which contains receptors for vision.

When floaters get between the lens and the retina, we are able to notice them as translucent specks. These floaters are a benign condition that affects most people and are more frequent later in life as the eye ages and with poor nutrition.

On the other hand, if suddenly floaters appear that are black and appear as large clumps, strings or cobwebs, you should see the eye doctor at once.

Sudden black floaters indicate a detachment of the vitreous humor or most alarmingly, tear or detachment of the retina (separation of retina from its base allowing vitreous fluid to leak between these layers). Retinal detachment is an emergency especially when it there is loss of vision. It is important to be still, and not for example, lift heavy things or jump up and down (exercise), until you are evaluated.

Dark floaters can also be due to some systemic condition such as allergies  and candida infection, or diabetes causing minute bleeding from weakened capillaries. Parasites are another possibility though rare.

What can you do to move benign floaters out of your field of vision? Move your eyes up and down to get floaters out of the way.

What can you do to strengthen your vitreous? Improve your nutrition! Vitamin C, magnesium, zinc in balance with copper, vitamin D and calcium are critical.  Please visit these posts in this site to improve your eye health.

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