Some eye conditions and problems are beyond our control. Poor eyesight, for example, can be inherited and also exacerbated by getting older. However, lifestyle can also have a major impact on our vision.
An expert spoke exclusively with Express.co.uk about ways to boost your eyesight - by removing “distracting” eye floaters.
GP Doctor Sarah Brewer, speaking in partnership with eye health specialists Theia Bio, explained: “Essentially, eye floaters are caused by clumps of collagen fibre that drift in the vitreous humour of the eyes and cast shadows on the retinae.
“Healthy vitreous humour is a uniformly transparent gel, but ageing, lifestyle factors and environmental stressors such as UV light can trigger oxidative stress and protein glycation, which cause collagen to clump together and the vitreous humour to degenerate.
“Almost everyone will experience floaters as they get older and they are especially likely in people who are very near-sighted, have diabetes or who have had cataract surgery.
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“Although not necessarily harmful, eye floaters can cause discomfort, distraction and frustration on a daily basis.
“They often appear when one is looking at a computer or phone screen, reading a book or document on brightly lit paper or driving in sunny, blue-sky weather.
“Fortunately, there are a number of lifestyle changes that can help minimise them.”
“There are some key nutrients, such as vitamin C, lutein and omega-3 fatty acids, that can help prevent vision problems and reduce the risk of macular degeneration,” she said.
“Drinking plenty of water can also help your body flush out toxins and debris, which is another factor in floater formation.
“Aim to drink two to three litres of fluid per day – more in hot weather or if you are exercising. By the time you feel thirsty, you are already significantly dehydrated.”
“Skipping a good night's sleep can cause a lot of stress on the eyes which can make floaters appear more obvious across your visual field,” she said.
“You may also notice that your floaters are worse if you are constantly in front of a screen. This is because, on bright backgrounds, they are more noticeable and you’re prone to pay extra consideration to them.”
Dr Brewer mentioned: “Although diet should always come first, it is difficult to get all the micronutrients you need through food alone – especially if you don’t eat at least five portions of fruits and vegetables a day.
“To ensure you get everything you need for healthy eyes, consider taking a supplement like Theia Bio’s Clearer.
“It offers a natural but effective solution to address annoying floaters by taking one capsule a day.”
She added: “Seek immediate medical advice if you suddenly get lots of floaters (sometimes with flashes) or if your floaters become larger and more numerous.
“This can be a sign of a retinal tear or detachment of the retina and your sight is at risk if not treated promptly.”
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