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Eye floaters. Learn the cause and treatment of odd shapes

May 8, 2023

These shapes often appear when we look at a computer or phone screen or drive a car on a sunny day.

A troublesome problem with our vision can take many forms, ranging from small black dots or wavy lines to what looks like rings or cobwebs.

Eye floaters rarely indicate anything serious and are caused by contraction and then formation of masses of collagen in the vitreous of the eye.

How can we solve the problem?

Eye doctor Sarah Brewer says almost everyone will develop floaters as they age, and they’re particularly likely to appear in people who are very nearsighted, have diabetes or have had cataract surgery.

Make sure you drink enough water

Consuming enough water is important for your eye health because the vitreous – the gel-like substance inside your eyes – is 98% water. Drink 2 to 3 liters of liquid per day.

Eat a balanced diet

Certain essential nutrients, such as vitamin C, lutein and omega-3 fatty acids, can help prevent vision problems and reduce the risk of macular degeneration. For example, vitamin C, found naturally in berries, citrus fruits and peppers, is a powerful antioxidant that fights free radicals and neutralizes oxidative stress, two major causes of floaters.

Take supplements

Although diet should always come first, it is difficult to get all the micronutrients you need through diet alone, so taking supplements may be an appropriate solution.

Ensure eye comfort

Ensuring adequate sleep and reducing the number of hours of exposure to mobile devices go a long way in reducing the occurrence of eye floaters.

Seek immediate medical attention if the number of floaters increases significantly, as this could be a sign of a retinal tear or detachment.

Read the Latest World News Today on The Eastern Herald.

Arab Desk

Arab Desk

The Arab Desk leads The Eastern Herald's reporting on the Middle East and North Africa. The desk has covered the Gaza-Israel war since October 2023, the Iran-Israel war of 2025-2026, the fall of the Assad government in Syria, Hezbollah's political and military shifts in Lebanon, the war in Yemen, and the diplomatic realignment of the Gulf states under the Abraham Accords and the Saudi-Iranian rapprochement.

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