Buzz
Floating flies in your vision refer to dark spots or lines that appear and drift according to your eye movements. They are caused by debris floating in the vitreous humor, a jelly-like substance that fills the eye and creates shadows on the retina at the back of the eye. Although this condition isn't typically a cause for concern, it can be bothersome, leading many to seek ways to address it. There is currently no single method for reducing these floating flies, and doctors generally recommend adapting to the situation over time, with surgery only suggested in severe cases.
Steps
Follow Standard Recommendations
Move Your Eyes. If your focus is on a floating object, try moving your eyes up and down or side to side. The eye movement can help shift the floating object, potentially reducing the presence of these bothersome visual disturbances.
Consult with a doctor about floating objects. If the floating objects are constantly obstructing your vision, suddenly appear, or if you simply have questions about them, it is advisable to consult with your doctor or an ophthalmologist. Based on your symptoms, professionals can help determine whether your condition requires medical intervention.
- Although most instances of floating objects in the eyes are a normal part of the aging process and usually do not require treatment, some rare cases may need specific medical intervention.
- It is recommended to see an ophthalmologist or optometrist for an eye exam at least every two years or more frequently if you have certain conditions (such as diabetes).
Do nothing. While bothersome, floating objects typically do not affect vision enough to interfere with daily activities. In most cases, the brain learns to ignore the floating objects and adjusts the vision accordingly.
- Individuals with nearsightedness, previous eye injuries, or certain conditions like diabetes are more likely to experience floating objects or have them appear more frequently.
- You may experience floating objects for years, with them gradually fading away. However, if new floating objects appear, it's important to visit an ophthalmologist for an eye exam.
Seek treatment options for severe cases
Consult a doctor immediately if the floating objects are accompanied by flashes of light or partial vision loss. If left untreated, underlying conditions could result in vision loss. Serious conditions related to floating objects may include:
- Vitreous hemorrhage (bleeding between the eye's lens and retina)
- Vitreous and retinal inflammation (caused by infection or autoimmune diseases)
- Eye cancer
- Retinal tear (when many floating objects suddenly appear)
- Retinal detachment (accompanied by blurred or cloudy vision)
Consult an ophthalmologist about specialized treatment if floating objects severely disrupt your vision. In severe cases, floating objects in the eyes can be treated with surgery. Surgical methods to reduce floating objects usually carry significant risks. In most cases, the risks associated with surgery far outweigh the inconvenience of occasional floating objects. An ophthalmologist can help determine if surgery is necessary based on your specific situation.
- Surgical risks include cataracts, retinal tears, and retinal detachment. Therefore, surgery is generally only recommended for severe cases.
- Surgery is not a permanent solution for floating objects, as new ones can appear at any time.
Undergo surgery if necessary. There are several options available if you and your ophthalmologist determine that specialized treatment is needed to reduce floating objects. Be sure to ask your ophthalmologist any questions you have about these procedures.
- Vitreous removal surgery involves removing the vitreous humor from the eye and replacing it with a saline solution, which eliminates the floating objects.
- Cryotherapy or laser therapy helps cool the eye, which may be necessary to repair corneal tears and reduce floating objects.
Try unverified home remedies
Consider adding supplements to your diet to reduce floating objects. Some healthcare experts believe that certain dietary supplements may help eliminate floating objects. While these supplements have not been clinically proven to reduce floating objects, some individuals find them beneficial. Consult with your ophthalmologist before starting any supplements:
- Try antioxidants like turmeric and rose hips. There is some evidence suggesting these antioxidants are effective in treating macular degeneration but not directly reducing floating objects. Rose hips are commonly available as herbal tea, while turmeric is used as a spice.
- Consider supplementing with hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid has been proven effective in aiding eye recovery after cataract surgery. Some individuals use it to treat floating objects, although there is no established medical evidence linking it to this condition.
Take supplements to improve blood circulation. It is believed that improving blood circulation can help move gel-like proteins out of the vitreous humor. However, no studies have proven a direct connection between these supplements and the reduction of floating objects. It is advisable to consult with your ophthalmologist before starting these supplements for treatment:
- Ginkgo biloba. Ginkgo biloba has been proven to improve blood circulation in the eyes and is used for patients with glaucoma.
- Lysine. Lysine is a vasodilator, especially in larger blood vessels. While lysine is effective in dilating blood vessels in certain areas, there is no proof it works the same way in the eyes.
- Blueberries. Blueberries are used to improve vision and dilate blood vessels. Further research is needed to explore the potential effectiveness of blueberries in treating floating objects.
Find ways to reduce stress. Stress is a potential trigger for floating objects. Therefore, practicing stress management techniques can help reduce their occurrence. Meditation, prayer, or immersing yourself in nature are popular methods many people find useful for lowering stress levels. Regular activities like yoga, Pilates, or Tai Chi can also reduce stress and help create a more relaxed lifestyle.
Advice
- No eye drops are effective in reducing floating objects in the eyes.
