Eye floaters are little spots, dots, lines, cobweb-like shapes or shadows that float about your field of vision. They are usually caused by tiny changes in the jelly-like substance inside the eye (vitreous). You may notice them more when looking at a bright sky, white wall, or computer screen. In simple words: Floaters are tiny shapes that appear to “float” in your field of vision and move when your eyes move.
Eye Floaters Symptoms
The eye floaters symptoms are usually easy to identify once you notice them. You may see:
- Small black or grey dots.
- Thread-like or cobweb shapes.
- Floating lines that move with your eyes. Spots that drift away when you try to focus.
- Sometimes, people also notice eye floaters and flashes together.
Eye-Related Causes of Floaters
The most common reason for eye flashes and floaters is the natural ageing of the eye. Inside the eye, there is a clear, jelly-like substance called the vitreous. As we get older, this jelly can become thinner and start pulling away from the retina.
This can cause small spots, lines, cobweb-like shapes or shadows to appear in your vision. You may also notice occasional flashes of light. These changes are often a normal part of ageing and may not need treatment.
However, a sudden increase in floaters or flashes should not be ignored. If you suddenly see many new floaters, bright flashes, or streaks of light—especially along with a dark curtain or shadow in your vision—it could be a sign of a retinal tear or retinal detachment. Seek an eye examination immediately. This is an emergency that requires immediate attention.
Causes Not Directly Related to the Eye
Eye flashes and unusual spots in vision can sometimes happen due to conditions that are not directly related to the eye.
Migraine: May cause flashing lights, zig-zag lines, or bright spots in your vision.
High blood pressure: Can affect the blood vessels supplying the eyes.
Diabetes: High blood sugar can damage the blood vessels in the retina and affect vision.
Head injury: A blow or injury to the head or eye can sometimes cause flashes or floaters.
Certain medicines: Some medications may cause temporary changes in vision.
Vitamin B12 deficiency: Low levels of certain vitamins may sometimes affect vision or nerve function.
Alcohol use: Excessive alcohol consumption may also contribute to visual disturbances.
Stress or anxiety: In some people, these may be linked with temporary visual symptoms.
Important: New or sudden flashes and floaters should always be checked by an eye doctor, particularly if they appear suddenly or increase quickly.
Can B12 Deficiency Cause Eye Floaters?
B12 deficiency eye floaters occur when the body does not get enough vitamin B12. It can mainly affect the optic nerve, which carries visual signals from the eyes to the brain. This can make your vision blurry or disturbed. In some cases, treating the B12 deficiency with supplements can help improve vision.
What diet should you prefer for B12 deficiency eye floaters?
Vitamin B12 is found naturally in almost all animal flesh and organs; the most reliable vegetarian sources of vitamin B12 are dairy products, packaged foods fortified with B12 and nutritional yeast. Some more
Milk: Regular cow or buffalo milk is a steady and readily absorbed supply of vitamin B12.
Curd and yoghurt – Fermented dairy products such as homemade curd or plain yoghurt have the same B12 content as milk.
Paneer and Cheese: Paneer (cottage cheese) and processed or natural cheeses are good vegetarian sources of B12.
Fortified Plant Milks: Soy, almond and oat milks often have added vitamin B12, and look for “fortified with cyanocobalamin” on the label.
Fortified Breakfast Cereals: Many packaged oats and cornflakes are artificially fortified with B12.
Nutritional Yeast: A heavily fortified yellow flake product with B12 that is used as a cheese-like seasoning in vegan food.
Butter & Ghee: Compared to liquid milk/curd, these have very small, trace amounts of B12.
Ayurvedic Therapies for the Management of Eye Floaters
There are various therapies which are used to support eye nourishment and eye floaters treatment in Ayurveda. The choice of therapy is tailored as per the individual’s need and should be made after consultation with a qualified Ayurvedic doctor.
1. Netra Tarpana
Netra Tarpana is an Ayurvedic procedure in which medicated ghee is retained around the eyes for a specific period under professional supervision. Traditionally, it is used to nourish and soothe the eyes. However, there is no strong scientific evidence that it can clear vitreous floaters or remove the cloudiness inside the eye.
2. Nasya treatment
Nasya is the administration of medicated oil or other suitable preparations through the nostrils. In Ayurveda, the nose is considered an important route of therapy for diseases of the head and sensory organs. This treatment is chosen depending on the condition of the person, but its efficacy in treating vitreous floaters is not established.
3. Ghrithapana
Ghrithapana is the oral consumption of medicated ghee under the guidance of an Ayurvedic practitioner. It has been used since ancient times in Ayurveda for nourishment and well-being. There is no reliable clinical evidence, however, that medicated ghee can slow the breakdown of the vitreous gel or improve floaters.
Note : Eye floaters are often caused by age-related changes in the vitreous gel, but a sudden increase in floaters, light flashes or a curtain-like shadow in your vision can be a sign of a problem with your retina. If you have any of these signs, get urgent eye care. Ayurvedic therapies are not a substitute for an eye exam or for delaying needed treatment.
