How do floaters form, and what supplements may help?

Eye floaters develop when the vitreous humour, the gel-like substance filling the eye, begins to degrade and change consistency. This explicit jelly-like material can shrink as we age, causing collagen strands to clump together. Clumpy particles cast shadows on the retina, making it appear like floating specks, cobwebs, or threads are in the scene. Many people seek nutritional support through a vitreous health supplement to address these changes, though individual results vary.

Inside the eye’s jelly

The vitreous humour comprises about 98% water, collagen fibres, hyaluronic acid, and various proteins that maintain its gel-like consistency. Light passes unhindered through this transparent substance positioned between the retina and lens. This material is uniform in youth, but natural ageing processes cause the vitreous to liquefy and potentially detach from the retina gradually. This liquefaction process begins as early as age four but becomes noticeable in middle age when enough structural change has occurred to create visible floaters. The deterioration accelerates in those with certain risk factors, including nearsightedness, previous eye surgeries or injuries, diabetic retinopathy, and inflammatory eye conditions. Genetics also play a part in determining how bothersome floaters become.

When shadows appear?

• Protein strands clump together, creating visible threads or “cobwebs”
• Liquefied pockets form within the vitreous, creating bubble-like floaters
• Posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) releases larger floaters suddenly
• Cellular debris can appear as small dark dots or specks
• Floaters may appear more prominent against bright backgrounds
• Movement patterns vary; some drift slowly while others follow eye movement
• Perception tends to be worse in bright conditions or when looking at plain surfaces

Daily triggers

Environmental factors can significantly impact how noticeable floaters become throughout the day. Screen time increases awareness as the contrast between digital text and backgrounds makes floaters more apparent. Similarly, bright sunlight or fluorescent lighting enhances visibility by creating stronger shadows on the retina. Dehydration can worsen floaters by causing slight changes in vitreous consistency. Stress and fatigue contribute to heightened perception through increased visual sensitivity and attention to bodily sensations. Some individuals report that their floaters become more noticeable during periods of anxiety or when focusing intensely on detailed visual tasks. Physical activities involving jarring movements or changes in eye pressure, such as heavy lifting, can temporarily increase floater activity by shifting the vitreous humour more dramatically.

When to seek help?

While many floaters are harmless and annoying, certain warning signs warrant immediate medical attention. A sudden shower of new floaters, accompanied by flashes of light or peripheral vision loss, requires emergency evaluation as it may indicate a retinal tear or detachment. Permanent vision loss may result from these conditions if not treated. Regular eye examinations become increasingly important as you age or if you have risk factors for eye conditions. An ophthalmologist can distinguish between harmless age-related floaters and those requiring intervention through a dilated eye examination. They can also discuss appropriate management strategies based on your situation and symptoms. For most people, the brain gradually adapts to the presence of floaters through neuroadaptation. Over time, you may notice them less frequently as your visual system learns to filter out these distractions. This natural adjustment process works best with practical strategies like maintaining good hydration, taking breaks from screen time, and wearing sunglasses in bright conditions.