You know when you look at a lamp or the sun for too long and then you see spots? It’s a little disorienting, right? But what if you see spots or specks that float around in your field of vision other times too, for no reason? Besides being disorienting, it can be downright annoying. It may feel like there are objects in front of you eye causing spots, but they’re actually floating inside your eye in the form of debris and tissue fiber. While these spots are pretty common, they can be bothersome enough for you to want to know how to reduce them. Try these tips:
- Roll your eye around.If you notice a floater, shift your eye up and down or side to side to try to move the floater and find relief.
- Try a dietary supplement.While not clinically proven, certain nutritional supplements have been known help get rid of eye floaters. Substances rich in anti-oxidants like turmeric and rose hips have provided relief to many. Rose hips are most commonly found in tea, and turmeric can be located in the spice aisle at your supermarket.
- This is one of the most effective ways to rid yourself of eye floaters. Begin by massaging your forehead between your eyebrows and temples 20 times forwards and backwards for at least 20 times in a row.
- Do nothing. Yes, floaters are annoying, but they usually don’t impede your vision enough to interfere with your daily tasks. When you have a floater, your brain does a good job of adapting your vision. People who are nearsighted or who have experienced a previous eye injury are more likely to get floaters, and these spots may remain for years or they may fade over time. Pay attention to any new ones, though, and call your doctor for an examination if they appear.
- Schedule an eye exam. If you’re experiencing serious vision problems due to eye floaters, schedule a visit with your eye doctor. This is especially important if you notice a sudden decrease in vision, a sudden appearance of flashes, shadows in your peripheral vision, a gray-like curtain covering your field of vision, or an increase of floaters in size and number. Surgery may be required if these symptoms occur.
To learn more about eye floaters and spots, or for information about any of the services we provide, including LASIK and Cataract Surgery, please call us today to schedule an appointment with one of our doctors.