On a cloudless day, if you gaze skyward, you may observe delicate cobweb-like structures drifting across your line of sight. Known as floaters or muscae volitantes in formal terms – derived from Latin for ‘flying flies’.

Similar to pesky regular flies, muscae volitantes can be bothersome, prompting individuals to seek ways to eliminate them. An article in the Mirror, titled “Eye floaters: What causes them and how to get rid of them naturally“, purportedly presents a potential solution.

Dr. Sarah Brewer, a general practitioner quoted in the article, suggests that a supplement called Clearer by Theia Bio might be an “effective natural solution” for addressing floaters. However, the actual content of the article does not delve into eliminating floaters as implied in the headline.

The Theia Bio website provides a more detailed explanation. It claims that “Clearer, containing a blend of antioxidants and antiglycation micronutrients, has been scientifically proven to reduce the size of eye floaters and alleviate visual discomfort in approximately 70% of test subjects over six months.”

Before considering the plausibility of a supplement for “addressing” or reducing floaters, it is essential to comprehend the nature and causes of floaters in the first place.

One of the primary causes of floaters is aging. As individuals age, the vitreous, a clear gel-like substance within the eye, begins to thicken and shrink. The vitreous primarily comprises water, collagens, and a substance called hyaluronan.

With advancing age, it is normal for the vitreous to detach from the back of the eye, known as posterior vitreous detachment, leading to an increase in floaters.

Could vitamin supplements potentially impact collagen clumps and improve the vitreous? Research conducted in Taiwan in 2022 suggested that consuming high-dose mixed fruit enzyme supplements may reduce floaters, although the methodology requires further elucidation for a conclusive assessment.

Theia Bio, in collaboration with Dr. Brewer, cites a study on its website, asserting the efficacy of the Clearer supplement in reducing floater size and discomfort. However, measuring floaters poses a challenge due to the mobile nature of the vitreous, impacting the accuracy of assessments.

While dietary supplements may offer potential benefits, traditional medical interventions such as vitrectomy or laser treatment remain viable options for severe cases of floaters. Lifestyle modifications, including a diet rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, may also contribute to overall eye health and potentially delay age-related changes affecting vision.

Conclusion

While the efficacy of supplements in resolving floaters remains uncertain, emphasizing a nutrient-rich diet and healthy habits can aid in maintaining optimal eye health and potentially delay the onset of age-related vision issues.

Kawa Wong of Theia Bio emphasizes that their products provide nutritional support rather than a definitive cure for floaters, aligning with current scientific evidence.

Written by Charlotte Codina, Lecturer in Orthoptics at the University of Sheffield

This article was originally published on The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

An earlier version of this article was published in July 2023.