Are There Vitamins for Eye Floaters?

Floaters are those annoying small black spots, strands or cloud-like forms that you may have seen drifting across your field of vision. They occur when the gel-like fluid making up more than 75 percent of your eye shrinks and starts to form clumps.

Generally associated with aging, floaters are harmless, often disappearing naturally. There's no cure, but certain nutrients and vitamins for eye health may help prevent or slow the progression of several different eye conditions.

Carotenoids are converted into vitamin A in the body, which has been shown to be advantageous to eye health. The carotenoids — lutein and zeaxanthin — are found in the retina, lens and macula of your eyes. Due to their antioxidant properties, these compounds may benefit eye health by neutralizing damaging free radicals and absorbing harmful high-energy light waves, like the sun's ultraviolet rays and blue light, according to Harvard Health Publishing.

​Read more​: How to Determine if a Vitamin or Supplement Is Actually Right for You

Research has shown that lutein and zeaxanthin play a role in preventing eye disease, including reducing the risk of macular degeneration (AMD). The Age-Related Eye Disease Study in 2013, sponsored by the National Eye Institute, conducted a follow-up assessment to the five-year study that showed the positive effects of lutein and zeaxanthin on macular degeneration.

In the first AREDS trial, results showed the group with early signs of macular degeneration who took lutein and zeaxanthin had a 10 to 25 percent reduced risk of progression of the disease compared to the participants who consumed lower amounts of lutein and zeaxanthin.

The AREDS2 follow-up study tested the effect of modifying the original formula and found that lutein and zeaxanthin played a role in preventing AMD, but had no effect on cataracts, according to the results of the study published in ​Journal of the American Medical Association​ in 2013.

Scientific evidence, supporting the benefits of a diet rich in carotenoids in preventing the onset of eye diseases, identified lack of lutein and zeaxanthin as a dietary cause in cataract and macular degeneration-related blindness. Results from the study, published in the journal ​Nutrients​ in 2013, suggest dietary strategies as a key to management of age-related eye conditions.

The National Eye Institute recommends eating diets rich in lutein and zeaxanthin to lower your risk of developing AMD and other eye conditions that may result in floaters. Most fruits and vegetables — especially yellow and orange varieties — contain both carotenoid compounds, as do green veggies, such as spinach, kale and broccoli.

The imbalance between antioxidants and free radicals in your body is associated with many age-related eye conditions, according to the American Optometric Association. The potent antioxidant properties of vitamin E make it an important vitamin for eye health by protecting your cells — including your eye cells — from harmful unstable molecules. Keeping your eyes healthy might help prevent floaters from forming.

A study published in the journal of ​Public Health Nutrition​ in 2015 indicated that dietary and supplemental vitamin E can delay or prevent cataract formation. The AREDS study suggested that 400 IU per day of vitamin E, taken with beta-carotene, vitamin C and zinc supplements, reduces the progression of macular degeneration by about 25 percent, according to the American Optometric Association.

​Read more​: What Are the Benefits of Using Vitamin E on the Face?

The recommended daily amount for vitamin E is 22.4 IU according to the NIH. Foods rich in vitamin E include nuts and seeds, vegetable and nut oils, wheat germ, avocado, sweet potato, dark leafy greens and fortified foods.

Since floaters are often the result of coagulation of the vitreous in your eye due to aging, vitamin C's role in blood and lymph circulation, waste elimination and supporting connective tissue may be of benefit. Vitamin C, an antioxidant, is required to make the protein collagen needed to provide structure to your eyes, especially the cornea and sclera.

The American Optometric Association says taking a supplement with at least 300 milligrams per day of vitamin C may help prevent cataracts. Vitamin C is found almost exclusively in fruits and vegetables, including citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, grapefruit and limes.

​Read more​: The Best Collagen Supplements for Your Personal Wellness Goals

A deficiency in B vitamins may increase the risk of developing eye problems, such as macular degeneration. Researchers evaluated the association between vitamins B6, folic acid and B12 and AMD and revealed evidence that supplementation of vitamin B may help with the prevention and control of eye disease, as published in the journal ​Scientific Reports​ in 2015.

Eating foods high in vitamin B, such as meat, whole grains, legumes, seeds, nuts, dark green vegetables and fruits, may benefit the health of your eyes.

A study published in ​Clinical Interventions in Aging​ in 2013 examined the role of nutritional intervention in treating and slowing or stopping the progression of age-related eye diseases including cataract, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and AMD, or eye damage leading to the progression of these diseases.

Recommendations from the study stressed that your diet should include food choices rich in vitamins C and E, beta carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin, zinc and omega-3 fatty acids. A healthy range should consist of a variety of fresh fruit and vegetables, legumes, lean meats, dairy and fish.