Understanding Eye Floaters
Eye floaters are tiny spots in your vision that look like dark shapes, threads, or squiggly lines. The spots move as your eyes move, so you’ll never be able to get a direct look at them.1,3
According to the National Eye Institute, floaters develop when strands of vitreous gel (the substance that fills your eyes) get stuck together. This creates shadows across your retina — the light-sensitive tissue in your eye — which you see as floaters.2
The most common cause of floaters is age. The vitreous gel in your eyes shrinks as you get older. Other causes include:1,3.
Anyone can develop eye floaters at any time, and they’re typically harmless. However, floaters may be a sign of a more serious underlying eye condition.1
The Role of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are healthy fats your body needs to support brain, eye, and heart health.2,4 The retina has a high concentration of Omega-3s — specifically docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). This fatty acid supports the photoreceptors in the retina that help you see light.5 Studies also show that Omega-3s have an anti-inflammatory effect and support tear production to treat dry eyes.6-8
Omega-3s are good for the eyes and help support healthy vision. Our bodies can’t make enough Omega-3s on their own, so we need to get them from our diets.
Excellent sources include2:
Omega-3s and Eye Floaters
We know that omega-3 fatty acids are essential for healthy eyes and vision. However, there’s a lack of conclusive scientific evidence supporting that this essential nutrient treats eye floaters. Omega-3s instead have a better-studied role in addressing other eye diseases like age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and dry eye disease (DED).9 Some people have seen improvement in floaters with omega-3 fatty acid supplements, but it’s not a guarantee.
Other Ways to Improve Eye Health
Outside of adding more Omega-3s to your diet, you can take other steps to improve your eye health. The National Eye Institute recommends10:
Consultation with a Healthcare Professional
Before starting any new supplement — including omega-3 fatty acids — talk with a healthcare professional. Omega-3s are generally safe for most people, but there’s a chance they can interact with certain medications. If you get too much omega-3 in your diet, it can raise your risk of bleeding.2
Conclusion
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fats your eyes need for healthy function and vision.2 At this time, there’s no scientific evidence showing that Omega-3s are good for eye floaters. Nevertheless, it’s key to get enough of this fatty acid in your diet to support your eyes and overall health. You can do so by eating foods high in Omega-3s, like fatty fish and walnuts, or by taking a supplement.2 Be sure to talk to a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement — including omega-3 fatty acids.
Additional Resources
Want to learn more about Omega-3s and other key nutrients and how they support your eye health? Check out these resources:
Looking for an omega-3 supplement to support your eye health? Vital Promise’s Omega 3 Fish Oil soft gels deliver a balanced blend of DHA and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) to promote healthy vision, in addition to healthy brain and heart function.