Best Supplements for Eye Floaters

Best supplements for eye floaters target the root causes of those drifting specks in your vision. While these vitreous clumps commonly appear with age, emerging research suggests specific nutrients can help. 

If you’ve ever seen drifting specks or cobwebby shapes in your vision, you’re probably seeing floaters. Though usually harmless, and often a normal part of getting older, they can be bothersome — and occasionally a symptom of more serious changes in the vitreous gel in the eye.

However, the good news is that there are some nutrients appearing in the literature which we may consume through our diets to decrease collagen damage, and the subsequent onset of floaters, by supporting eye health from within.

How Do Supplements Help With Eye Floaters?

These similar supplements may take on the underlying causes that are thought to lead floaters with the following:

• Retarding the degeneration of your eye’s vitreous (a gel-like substance)
• Downregulating oxidative stress and inflammatory factors
• Enhancing blood flow to the tissues in the eye

Now, let’s discuss the top 5 supplements for treating eye floaters naturally — and how they work to progressively provide clearer vision.

1. Lutein and Zeaxanthin: Yellow Pigments for Our Eyes

By Jane E. Brody

Why did the cherry tomatoes in my gazpacho looked at me?

Lutein and zeaxanthin are two antioxidant-rich carotenoids that accumulate in the macula, the region of the retina that provides high acuity (sharp) central vision. These compounds serve as blue light natural filters, which in turn can minimize light-induced oxidative damage and aging of the vitreous.

In fact, studied have demonstrated that the inclusion of lutein and zeaxanthin can increase macular pigment density by as much as 26%; indirectly supporting vitreous integrity and lessening degradation that causes floaters.

• Dosage: 10 mg of lutein and 2 mg of zeaxanthin a day.
• Pro tip: Have them with a meal that includes healthy fats for optimal absorption.
• Food sources: Kale, spinach, collard greens, corn and egg yolks are excellent choices.

2. Bromelain: The Natural Protein-Dissolving Enzyme

Bromelain is a protein-degrading enzyme derived from the pineapple plant with anti-inflammatory properties.

When it comes to floaters, bromelain could be beneficial by digesting fibrin and other protein-based waste that becomes lodged in the vitreous and causes floaters over time.

It also can reduce inflammation, which might help if floaters are a result of eye strain or trauma.

• Suggested dosage: 500 mg a day, if you can, taken with food to prevent stomach upset.
• Note: Make sure to obtain standardised bromelain supplements to ensure strength.

3. Omega-3: The Good Fat for Your Eyes and Brain

Omega-3s, particularly EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), are important for eye health.

Notably, these fatty acids aid in reduction of inflammation in the body—including the eyes—by mediating cytokine activity and promoting tear film quality.

As for floaters, omega-3s could be useful by creating a better internal ecosystem in your eye, allowing more efficient breakdown and better clearance of vitreous debris.

• Dosage: At least 1,200 mg combined EPA and DHA daily.
• Optimal form: Fish oil in triglyceride form is better absorbed.
• Vegetarian alternative: Algal oil supplements offer a plant-based version of fish oil.

4. Collagen-Supporting Vitamin C

There’s also a major amount of collagen and water in the shape of your vitreous body, and the quality of this collagen is what keeps it preventing the type of clumping and degeneration that causes floaters.

Moreover, Vitamin C is an essential nutrient for the synthesis and repair of collagen and is a strong antioxidant.

One study out of Eye Science, found that 500 mg of vitamin C taken daily was able to reduce floater visibility in about 64% of their subjects. Vitamin C might also ward off oxidative damage to eye tissues caused by UV light and environmental pollution.

• Dosage: 500 mg a day is what’s recommended; ideally in two separate doses.
• Strengthen absorption: Combine with vitamin E or citrus bioflavonoids for optimal bioavailability.
• Natural source: Oranges, kiwi, strawberries, bell peppers and broccoli.

5. Ginkgo Biloba – The Natural Booster for the Circulatory System

Ginkgo biloba has long been a component of traditional medicine selling mainly for its effects on circulation and mental acuity.

In terms of eye health, more robust blood flow might result in better delivery of nutrients and removal of waste in the tissues of the retina — perhaps clearing up floaters of the sort you’re describing or helping to keep new ones from forming.

Some herbalists and naturopaths assert that ginkgo’s antioxidants also safeguard retinal and vitreous tissues from harm due to the aging process.

• Dosage: 120–240 mg per day, clustered into two portions.
• Key precaution: Do not take ginkgo if you’re taking warfarin or other blood thinners or you have a historically low bleeding threshold.

Aspects To Consider For Optimizing The Power of Eye Health Supplements

Consistency is crucial in taking supplements. These nutrients do not provide an instant cure, but most people will notice a reduction in floaters and improved comfort of vision within 3–6 months.

Tips for Supporting Your Routine

• Hydration: Proper water consumption keeps the vitreous moist and promotes flow in the eyes.
• Wear UV protection sunglasses: UV light speeds up vitreous degeneration and causes oxidative damage.
• Attempt gentle eye exercises: Simple movements like practising a slow eye roll, or changing the direction you are looking in might get floaters out of your direct line of sight.
• Eat nutrient-dense foods: Supplements work best when they’re taken alongside a good diet full of leafy greens, vibrant fruits, fatty fish, and whole grains.

When to Seek Medical Advice

Most floaters are harmless, but do not ignore sudden or severe changes in your vision.

If you have the following symptoms, seek an eye doctor quickly:

• A new onset of floaters in a shower or burst
• Shimmering or blinking in your peripheral vision
• Opacities or a dark curtain across part of your visual field
• Side vision loss or general blurriness

These may be signs of a retinal tear or detachment, a serious medical condition which can result in permanent vision loss and requires immediate attention in an emergency room.

Final Thoughts: Clearer Days on the Horizon

If you’re searching for a natural remedy for dealing with eye floaters, targeted supplements are not a bad place to start.

Although they won’t stop every floater for everyone, they can minimize the appearance of them, help the structure of the inside of the eye and provide protection against further degeneration.

If you want to be more thorough, a high-quality fish oil with lutein and zeaxanthin can be used. A favorite choice among doctors is Doctor’s Best Lutein with Zeaxanthin, which provides the tested 10:2 ratio for supporting optimal macular health.

Keep a vision journal of your progress, make sure you keep on top of your routine eye exams, and feed your body the consistent nutrients it requires.

And over time, you might just see those once-enraging floaters start to fade into the background of your vision.