SOS for a new vision glitch

Q:

I recently developed a few floaters in my eyes. My doctor said they’re common with aging and assured me they’ll go away on their own, but is there anything I can do to speed that up?

A:

Yes! As we age, the vitreous, the gel-like substance that makes up

80% of our eyes, can become less firm, which allows small particles of tissue in the eye to clump together and move around, creating visionobstructing floaters. In addition to aging, eye infections, eye injuries and surgeries can also increase the risk of developing floaters. And while the spots generally go away on their own or become less noticeable over time, I can recommend a few ways to help clear them from your vision faster.

First, try eye drops with methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), a natural sulfur compound that moisturizes the eyes and helps soften the mucous membrane, making it easier for the eye to flush out the small, loose particles of tissue that cause spots in your vision. You can use two drops in each eye two to four times daily. A highly rated brand to try: Dexterity Health MSM Drops (Amazon.com)

I also suggest adding some pineapple to your diet. Researchers reporting in the Journal of American Science found that eating 11⁄2 cups of the fruit daily eliminated floaters for 73% of participants within three months. The researchers suspect the variety of enzymes in the fruit help dissolve the loose tissue deposits that cause floaters.

Just keep in mind that changes in vision, eye pain, flashes of light or a sudden increase in the number of floaters can be signs of a more serious eye condition. So if you experience any new symptoms, visit your eye doctor to explore other causes and treatment options.