Eye floaters, also known as muscae volitantes, are small cloud-like structures or spots that drift across people’s vision, caused by clumps or strands of collagen in the vitreous humor (gel-like substance) inside the eye.
Floaters are common and often increase with age as the vitreous thins and shrinks, sometimes pulling away from the retina in a process called posterior vitreous detachment.
A recent article claimed a supplement called Clearer may help reduce annoying floaters. The manufacturer’s website said it reduced floater size and discomfort in 70% of people in a study.
However, measuring floaters is challenging as they move with eye movements. The study had a small sample size of 26 people and measured floater opacity size in 2D, which may not accurately capture 3D structures.
Surgical removal of the vitreous or zapping floaters with lasers can eliminate them but pose risks to vision. Other proposed natural remedies lack evidence.
Lifestyle factors like a healthy diet rich in antioxidants and omega-3 may help slow eye aging, but won’t necessarily prevent or treat floaters. Ignoring floaters is usually best as the brain adapts over time.
In summary, while supplements may potentially delay age-related eye changes, there is little evidence they can directly and reliably treat or reduce floaters. Further research with larger and better designed studies would be needed.
Source: ScienceAlert
