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allergies and candidiasis. Vitreous detachment also is common in diabetics. But the highest rate of complaints of floaters is among people over age 70; this is when the prevalence of vitreous detachment jumps from 10 percent of the population to 63 percent. 1

Treatment and Prevention Program

The Vision Diet

The Vision Diet in Chapter 1 can help reduce congestion in the liver and colon, with the following guidelines:

1.For protein, emphasize fish, soy (in moderation), almonds, sunflower seeds and sesame seeds. Avoid meat, poultry, eggs, dairy products and most other nuts.

2.Eat brown rice and other whole grains instead of refined and processed grains (such as white bread and pasta).

3.Use unsulfured molasses and fruit juices for sweetening instead of white sugar, chocolate or honey.

4.Drink rice, almond or soy milk, herb teas or unsweetened, diluted fruit juices instead of coffee, tea, alcohol and dairy drinks.

5.Steam or bake foods instead of frying them.

6.Eat lots of vegetables, but avoid the nightshade family (e.g., tomatoes, green peppers, white potatoes and eggplant).

7.Eat less fruit in general, particularly citrus fruit, and select pineapple, melon and grapes.

8.Minimize your use of salt.

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Vitamins and Minerals

The following are some of the essential nutrients for treating floaters. Other recommended nutrients can be found in the Floater Prevention Program at the end of this chapter.

Antioxidants, such as vitamins A, C and E, beta carotene, selenium and bioflavonoids may prevent damage to the vitreous, which causes floaters.

Vitamin C. Vitamin C not only strengthens the connective tissues in the eye, but it also concentrates in the vitreous, where it is found in higher levels than in any other tissues of the body. Take no more than 1,500 mg of vitamin C (buffered form, ascorbic acid) per day if you have floaters. 2 More than that may reduce the absorption of minerals such as calcium, chromium and copper, and actually result in vitreous damage.

Calcium. Calcium helps strengthen the eye's connective tissue. A low level of calcium in the blood, in proportion to phosphorus, has been related to an increase in nearsightedness and floaters.

Chromium. Chromium helps regulate blood sugar, circulation and fat metabolism, and helps prevent nearsightedness, a risk factor for vitreous degeneration and floaters. A lack of chromium can increase your risk for floaters eight-fold.

Copper. Copper is necessary for the antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase, which protects the vitreous from the harmful effects of ultraviolet light.

Glucosamine sulfate. Glucosamine repairs and rebuilds the vitreous connective tissues. Manganese. This mineral helps with allergies and blood sugar problems.

N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) and alpha lipoic acid help to repair connective tissue.

Phosphorus. Calcium and phosphorus work together to maintain the body's proper acid balance. When this balance is not maintained, your risk for floaters

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increases. Because the American diet is typically high in phosphorus (due primarily to our high intake of soda and meat), avoid excess phosphorus.

Traditional Chinese Medicine

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, floaters are an indication of congestion in the liver, kidney and colon. The herbs and acupressure points prescribed for floaters are chosen for their abilities to eliminate congestion in these organs in order to keep the vitreous of the eye clear from these annoying specks.

Acupressure

See the Floater Prevention Program at the end of this chapter for the acupressure points that have long been used in the traditional treatment of vision problems.

Herbal Remedies

The herbs used in Chinese medicine for floaters harmonize the functions of the liver and support its ability to promote the smooth flow of energy, blood and emotions throughout the body, mind and spirit. They nourish the blood in the liver meridian (to help move that stuck qi) and strengthen the spleen and stomach. All of these combine to help resolve the congealing of fluid in the body (floaters are usually the literal reflections of congealed fluid in the eye). Our research has shown that a combination of Chinese, Western and Ayurvedic herbs are helpful in the treatment of floaters. We recommend the following herbs.

Hsiao Yao Wan (Relaxed Wanderer Pills) is the standard remedy for constrained energy in the liver meridian. These herbs help the liver to spread qi throughout the body and to the eyes. The most important herb in this formula is bupleurum, whose primary role it is to break through obstructions and restore the free flow of energy and blood. The adjunct herbs in this formula peony root, dong quai, poria fungus, atractylodes, ginger and licorice support the

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liver and digestive system. They help relieve dampness, promote digestion, and move and disperse stuck energy, thus helping the congealed fluid that composes floaters to disperse.

In addition to the Chinese formula, we add the following herbs:

Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) has the active constituent silica, which helps to repair connective tissue in the body and eye.

Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) promotes circulation and blood flow to the body and the eyes.

Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is a powerful liver tonic that helps to purify the bloodstream.

Dandelion root (Taraxacum officinalis radix) is also a liver tonic that aids in digestion and balances blood sugar levels in the body.

A combination of these herbs will bring an increase of qi to the eyes in an effort to eliminate the congealed fluids or floaters. All herbs are available through Integral Health Apothecary and Starfire International (see Resources).

Homeopathic Remedies

Arnica montana, Carbo vegetabilis and Lycopodium elevatum have been shown to be helpful for floaters, but we recommend that you be evaluated by a qualified homeopath to address any underlying constitutional imbalance for which floaters may be just one symptom.

Wear Sunglasses

Invest in a pair of ultraviolet-filtering lenses. Ultraviolet light causes shrinkage, degeneration, liquification and clumping of proteins in the eye, and those clumps are what become floaters. Wearing these sunglasses is an especially important