I. Muscae volitantes or
Floater is defined as a condition of pathol moving black specks or
threads seen before the eyes, as results of opaque fragments floating in
the vitreous humour or a lens defect
due to degeneration of the vitreous humour. Floater as it suspends in
the vitreous humour, it tends to drift and follows the rapid motions of
the eye as a result of damage of the eye that causes material to enter
the vitreous humour.
II. Symptoms
1. Seeing a spot or spots, other shapes
such as black or gray dots, squiggly lines, threadlike strands, ring
shaped, etc. before the eyes
2. Movement of the spots or shapes that parallels eye movement.
3. Etc.
III. Causes and risk factors
A, Causes
There are many causes of floater, including
1. Eyes diseases
Eye diseases can cause damage to the eye of that can lead to muscae volitantes.
2. Vitreous cyst
Vitreous cyst is associated to the cause
of floater, although it is rare. The etiology has been theorized to be
both congenital and acquired.
Acquired cysts may be due to trauma or other forms of intraocular
inflammation. Pigmented cysts are believed to originate from the pars
ciliaris and nonpigmented cysts are likely to be derived from the
remnants of the hyaloidal artery system. The appearances of the cysts
are striking and are often seen as clear spherical bodies in the
vitreous with interesting interlacing surface patterns. The cysts are
benign and are of little significance, except when they encroach on the
visual axis and produce visual disturbances (usually floater symptoms)(1).
3. Vitreous syneresis
vitreous normally will undergo liquefaction and changed from
jellylike material to fluid like material in a process called syneresis
of vitreous and this will
cause the collage fibers within the vitreous to form strands. With each
eye movements, those strands will also move, causing eye floaters(2).
4. Posterior vitreous detachments (PVD)
Posterior vitreous detachments can cause uscae volitantes. It is
a condition of the eye in which the vitreous humor separates from the
retina due to aging as the condition is common in older adults and over
75% of those over the age of 65 develop it(3).
5. Retinal detachment
Retinal detachment associated to the
causes of floater, is a eye disorder in which the retina peels away from
its underlying layer of support tissue(4) and affected mostly in middle-aged or older population.
6. Hyaloid remnant
A rare condition in which there remain some parts of the hyaloid artery.
Posteriorly there may be a vascular loop or the thread of an
obliterated vessel running forward from the optic disc and floating
freely in the vitreous. Anteriorly there may be some fibrous remnants
attached to the posterior lens capsule and others sometimes floating in
the vitreous. The anterior attachment of the hyaloid artery to the lens
may also remain throughout life as a black dot, called Mittendorf's dot,
and can be seen within the pupil by direct ophthalmoscopy (it appears
as a white dot with the biomicroscope). There is rarely any visual
interference although patients may sometimes report seeing muscae
volitantes(5).
7. Other causes of Muscae volitantes
a. Patient with oily tears and
inpissated meibomian glands may also accumulate debris within the tear
layer, which can be reported as floaters.
b. Patients with ocular allergies may
also be prime candidates for this phenomenon, since the eye produces
excess mucus in order to soothe the eye from the allergic assault.
c. Vitreous haemorrhage. A PVD that
encounters an area of vitreoretinal adhesion can cause a tractional tear
in the retina. If a retinal blood vessel is involved, subsequent
leakage into the vitreous cavity and retrohyaloid space will occur.
d. A relatively common vitreous anomaly
that occasionally causes floaters is asteroid hyalosis. Asteroid bodies
are calcium soaps that attach to the vitreous framework(6).
8. Etc.
B, Risk factors
1. Aging
People who are over age of 50 are at the increased risk of Muscae volitantes as a result of Posterior vitreous detachments (PVD).
2. Myopia
People who are with Myopia are also in the higher risk to develop Muscae volitantes as a result of eye strain and tearing.
3. Eye damage
Damage to the eye due to what ever reason, including punch in the eye can cause floater.
4. Eye surgery
Eye surgery patients are at increased risk to develop floater, recently had eye surgery, laser eye surgery, etc.
5. Diabetes
If you are diabetic, you are at higher risk to develop floater and other eye diseases such as glaucoma and cataracts.
6. Etc.
IV. Diagnosis
If you are experience floater as you you can see them if look at the blue sky or a white wall.
Your Ophthalmologists can diagnose floaters by the use of an ophthalmoscope or slit lamp
V. Preventions
The aim of prevention of floater is to
enhance the immune function to fight inflammation causes and strengthen
the eye connective tissues and blood circulation to prevent leaking
causes of floater.
A. Diet to prevent floater
1. Pineapple
a. Connective tissues
In the study to investigate pineapple plant which contains the enzyme bromelain acclaimed
to reduce pain and swellings following acute muscle injurie showed that
the flesh and bark extract induced a proliferation of tenoblasts which
however was not significantly different from that of the untreated
tendon while the leaves and core extracts reduced the population of the
tenocytes. The flesh extract significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the MDA
level while the leaves and core extract significantly (p < 0.001)
increased it. The bark extract had no significant impact on the MDA
level compared with the untreated tendon(7).
b. Immune function
Bromelain also increases the
immune function in fighting the invasion of foreign substances such as
bacteria and virus, thus decreasing the risk of inflammation and
infection according to the study of "Bromelain treatment reduces CD25 expression on activated CD4+ T cells in vitro" by Secor ER Jr, Singh A, Guernsey LA, McNamara JT, Zhan L, Maulik N, Thrall RS., posted in PubMed(8)
c. Small blood vessel wall protectionThe high amount
of vitamin C also increase the flexibility of small vessel, thus
decreasing the risk of internal bleeding, heart diseases and stroke,
according to the study of "Effects of benfluorex-vitamin C supplementation on cutaneous capillaries of diabetic rats" by Sari Kiliçaslan SM, Ozer C., posted in PubMed(9)
d. Manganese
Manganese beside
is a mineral essential for energy production and metabolism of foods,
it also helps to improve immune-system functioning that reduces the
risk of inflammation, according to the study of "The effects of 3, 4
or 5 amino salicylic acids on manganese-induced neuronal death: ER stress and mitochondrial complexes" by Yoon H, Lee GH, Kim DS, Kim KW, Kim HR, Chae HJ(10)
2. Ginger
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) or ginger root is the
genus Zingiber, belonging to the family Zingiberaceae, native to Tamil.
It has been used in traditional and Chinese medicine to treat
dyspepsia, gastroparesis, constipation, edema, difficult urination,
colic, etc.
a. Anti-Inflammatory effects
In the
classification of the effect of ginger extract on the expression of
NFκB and TNF-α in liver cancer-induced rats found that ginger extract
significantly reduced the elevated expression of NFκB and TNF-α in rats
with liver cancer. Ginger may act as an anti-cancer and
anti-inflammatory agent by inactivating NFκB through the suppression of
the pro-inflammatory TNF-α, according to "Ginger Extract (Zingiber Officinale) has Anti-Cancer and Anti-Inflammatory Effects on Ethionine-Induced Hepatoma Rats"
by Shafina Hanim Mohd Habib,I Suzana Makpol, Noor Aini Abdul Hamid,
Srijit Das, Wan Zurinah Wan Ngah, and Yasmin Anum Mohd Yusof 11)
b. Delay of diabetic cataract
In the
demonstration of antiglycating activity and ginger (Zingiber
officinalis) found that ginger was effective against the development of
diabetic cataract in rats mainly through its antiglycating potential
and to a lesser extent by inhibition of the polyol pathway. Thus,
ingredients of dietary sources, such as ginger, may be explored for the
prevention or delay of diabetic complications, according to "Antiglycating potential of Zingiber officinalis and delay of diabetic cataract in rats"
by Megha Saraswat, Palla Suryanarayana, Paduru Yadagiri Reddy,
Madhoosudan A. Patil, Nagalla Balakrishna, and Geereddy Bhanuprakash
Reddy(12)
c, GINGER for EYE disorders: Taking Ginger will increase blood circulation so that more nutrition can reach your eye.(13)
3. Brussels sprouts
Brussels sprout is a spcies of wild cabbage (Brassica oleracea), belong
to the family of Brassicaceae and was cultivated since ancient Rome.
a. Antioxidants
In the evaluation of consumption of the sprouts and its antioxidant effects found that
Serum vitamin C levels were increased by 37% after sprout consumption
but no correlations were seen between prevention of DNA-damage and
individual alterations of the vitamin levels. Our study shows for the
first time that sprout consumption leads to inhibition of
sulfotransferases in humans and to protection against PhIP and oxidative
DNA-damage, according to "Consumption of Brussels sprouts
protects peripheral human lymphocytes against
2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP) and oxidative
DNA-damage: results of a controlled human intervention trial"by Hoelzl
C, Glatt H, Meinl W, Sontag G, Haidinger G, Kundi M, Simic T,
Chakraborty A, Bichler J, Ferk F, Angelis K, Nersesyan A, Knasmüller
S.(14)
b. Type 2 diabetes
In the determination of young broccoli sprouts
improve oxidative stress status in diabetic condition found that 63
patients in three groups were included in the analysis: 10 g/d BSP
(n=21), 5 g/d (n=22) and placebo (n=20). After 4 weeks, consumption of
BSP resulted in significant decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA) (P=0.001
for treatment effect), oxidized low density lipoprotein cholesterol
(P=0.03 for treatment effect), OSI (P=0.001 for treatment effect) and
significant increase in Serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (P=0.001
for treatment effect), according to "Broccoli sprouts reduce oxidative stress in type 2 diabetes: a randomized double-blind clinical trial" by Bahadoran Z, Mirmiran P, Hosseinpanah F, Hedayati M, Hosseinpour-Niazi S, Azizi F.(15)
c. Vitamin C
In the study to assess, whether or not, vitamin C,
required during the collagen synthesis, would influence the Achilles
tendon healing in a healthy rat model, showed that high-dose vitamin C
supplementation once for every 2 days has stimulating effects on the
Achilles tendon healing because of early angiogenesis and increased
collagen synthesis in a healthy rat model. Further studies are needed to
make clear the mentioned encouraging effects of the vitamin C on the Achilles tendon healing(16).
4. Strawberries
Strawberries is a genius
of Fragaria × ananassa belongs to the family Roseaceae. They have been
grown all over the world with suitable climate for commercial profits
and for health benefits.
a. Antioxidant enzymes
In
the identification of essential nutrient and beneficial
phytochemicals of strawberry and their effects on gastrointestinal
disorders such as gastric ulcer, colorectal cancer and inflammatory
bowel disease found that Strawberry extracts prevented exogenous
ethanol-induced damage to rats' gastric mucosa. These effects seem to
be associated with the antioxidant activity and phenolic content in
the extract as well as with the capacity of promoting the action of
antioxidant enzymes. A diet rich in strawberries
might exert a beneficial effect in the prevention of gastric diseases
related to generation of reactive oxygen species, according to "Strawberry
polyphenols attenuate ethanol-induced gastric lesions in rats by
activation of antioxidant enzymes and attenuation of MDA increase"
by Alvarez-Suarez JM, Dekanski D, Ristić S, Radonjić NV, Petronijević
ND, Giampieri F, Astolfi P, González-Paramás AM, Santos-Buelga C,
Tulipani S, Quiles JL, Mezzetti B, Battino M.(17)
b. Anti inflammationIn the observation of Ethanolic extract of Fragaria vesca (EFFV) of Fragaria vesca L. and its effect on Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease (chronic recurrent inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)) found that EFFV
at 500 mg/kg showed significant amelioration of experimentally induced
IBD, which may be attributed to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
properties, according to "Effect of fruit extract of Fragaria vesca L. on experimentally induced inflammatory bowel disease in albino rats" by Kanodia L, Borgohain M, Das S.(18)
c. Human health
In the review
and update of the current knowledge on the potential impact of
strawberry on human health, found that the mechanisms responsible for
the potential health-promoting effects of strawberry may not be
necessarily searched in the activity of phytochemicals. Particularly, a
greater interest should be addressed to show whether a prolonged
strawberry consumption may effectively improve the folate status and
reduce the incidence of folate-related pathological conditions.
Furthermore, the hypouricaemic effects of cherries need to be evaluated
also in respect to strawberry intake, and the mechanisms of actions
and anti-gout potentialities need to be studied in detail. Future
investigations involving human trials should be aimed at following
these underestimated scientific tracks, according to "Impact of strawberries on human health: insight into marginally discussed bioactive compounds for the Mediterranean diet" by Tulipani S, Mezzetti B, Battino M.(19)
5. Etc.
B.. Antioxidants to prevent floater(20)
1. Antioxidant enzymes
a. Super oxide dismutase (both Cu-Zn and Mn)
Super oxide dismutase is
an important antioxidant defense in nearly all cells exposed to oxygen
by converting superoxide into oxygen and hydrogen peroxide depending on
the metal cofactor such as both Cu-Zn and Mn.
b. Glutathione peroxidase
The function of glutathione peroxidase is to
protect the organism from oxidative damage by reducing lipid
hydroperoxides, an oxidation of lipid cell membranes which can easily
break and form free radicals of the form RO and converting free hydrogen peroxide to oxygen and water.
c. Glutathione reductase
Glutathione
reductase, an enzyme reduces pair of sulfur atoms glutathione to the a
organosulfur compound form of antioxidant (consisting of three amino acids joined by peptide bonds) which helps to prevent damage of important cellular components caused by free radicals and peroxides.
d. Etc.
2. Metals binding proteins(21)
a. Ceruloplasmin
Ceruloplasmin, the major copper-carrying protein in the blood plays a role in iron metabolism. It prevents the oxidation that leads to the forming of oxidation from Fe2+ (ferrous iron) into Fe3+
(ferric iron) by exhibiting a copper-dependent oxidase activity,
causing mutations in the ceruloplasmin gene cause of iron overload in
the brain, liver, pancreas, and retina.
b. Ferritin
Ferritin,
the protein produced by almost all living organisms, acts as a
component to fight against iron deficiency and iron overload, keep in a
soluble and non-toxic form and transport it to the body needs,
including organs. It enhances the immune system in the presence of an
infection or cancer and prevent the infectious agent attempts to bind
iron to become free radicals by migrating from the plasma to within
cells.
c. Etc.
3. Common Free Radical Scavengers
a. Vitamin A
Vitamin A
occurs in the form retinol and is best known for its function in
maintaining the health of cell membrane, hair, skin, bone, teeth and
eyes. It also plays an important role as an antioxidant as it scavenges
free radicals in the lining of the mouth and lungs; prevents its
depletion in fighting the increased free radicals activity by radiation;
boosts immune system in controlling of free radicals; prevents
oxidation of LDL and enhances the productions of insulin pancreas.
b. Vitamin C
Vitamin
C beside plays an important role in formation and maintenance of body
tissues, it as an antioxidant and water soluble vitamin, vitamin C can
be easily carry in blood, operate in much of the part of body. By
restoring vitamin E, it helps to fight against forming of free radicals.
By enhancing the immune system, it promotes against the microbial and
viral and irregular cell growth causes of infection and inflammation.
Vitamin C also is a scavenger in inhibiting pollution cause of oxidation.
c. Vitamin E
Vitamin
E is used to refer to a group of fat-soluble compounds that include
both tocopherols and tocotrienols discovered by researchers Herbert
Evans and Katherine Bishop. It beside is important in protecting muscle
weakness, repair damage tissues, lower blood pressure and inducing
blood clotting in healing wound, etc, it also is one of powerful
antioxidant, by moving into the fatty medium to prevent lipid
peroxidation, resulting in lessening the risk of chain reactions by
curtailing them before they can starts.
d. Vitamin D
Reseacher found that vitamin D, a group of fat-soluble secosteroids
is also a membrane antioxidant, with the ability to inhibit
iron-dependent lipid peroxidation in liposomes compared to cholesterol.
e. Etc.
C. Phytochemicals to prevent floater
1. Curcumin is a phytochemical
found abundant in the plant. In acidic solutions (pH <7.4) it turns
yellow, whereas in basic (pH > 8.6) solutions it turns bright red.
a Anti-inflammatory agent
According to the study of evaluation
of anti-inflammatory property of curcumin (diferuloyl methane) in
patients with postoperative inflammation. by Satoskar RR, Shah SJ,
Shenoy SG., poated in US National Library of Medicine National
Institutes of Health, researchers wrote that In this model of
postoperative inflammation, the anti-inflammatory activity of curcumin
(diferuloyl methane) was investigated in comparison with
phenylbutazone and placebo. Phenylbutazone and curcumin produced a
better anti-inflammatory response than placebo.
b. Antioxidants
In
a study of `Protective Role of Curcumin Against Oxidative
Stress,Immunosuppressive and Cytotoxic Effects of Lead Exposure` by
Mahmoud El-sherbiny, Azza Araffa, Mona Mantawy and Hany M. Hassan
(Therapeutic Chemistry Department, National Research Centre - Dokki,
Giza, Egypt. Immunology Department, Animal Reproduction Research
Institute (ARRI), Giza, Egypt), posted in World Applied Sciences Journal
12 (10): 1832-1838, 2011, researchers found that
ground, curcumin's
benefits on tumorigenesis are thought to be mediated by its
antiinflammatory activity; however, these effects have not been well
characterized in a mouse model of colon cancer. Briefly, curcumin is
efficacious for chronic nonbacterial prostatitis in rats and the action
mechanism may be associated with its decreasing effect on the
proinflammatory cytokines IL-8 and TNF-alpha in the blood and tissues.
Curcumin has protective effect on DNA of pulmonary cells. There was
direct evidence for an involvement of curcumin in reducing arsenic and
lead induced oxidative stress in Swiss albino mice by virtue of its
antioxidant potential and trapping of free radicals. The current
investigation concluded that curcumin has protective role against
cytotoxic, immunosuppressive , oxidative and immunosuppressive profile
that perform due to lead acetate exposure.
c. Cellular Processing
According
to the research of `Evidence against the rescue of defective
DeltaF508-CFTR cellular processing by curcumin in cell culture and mouse
models.`by Song Y, Sonawane ND, Salinas D, Qian L, Pedemonte N,
Galietta LJ, Verkman AS. (Source
from Department of Medicine and Physiology, Cardiovascular Research
Institute, University of California, San Francisco, California 94143,
USA. Copyright 2004 American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular
Biology, Inc.) posted in US National Library of Medicine
National Institutes of Health, researchers found that assay of serum
curcumin by ethyl acetate extraction followed by liquid
chromatography/mass spectrometry indicated a maximum serum concentration
of 60 nm, well below that of 5-15 microm, where cellular effects by
sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum calcium pump inhibition are proposed
to occur. Our results do not support further evaluation of curcumin
for cystic fibrosis therapy.
2. Theaflavin-3-gallate, a
theaflavin derivative, is phytochemicals of Flavan-3-ols, in the group
of Flavonoids (polyphenols) found abundantly in black tea.
a. Antioxidant capacities
In the comparison of TF derivatives (theaflavin (TF(1)), theaflavin-3-gallate
(TF(2)A), theaflavin-3'-gallate (TF(2)B), and
theaflavin-3,3'-digallate (TF(3))) in scavenging reactive oxygen
species (ROS) in vitro, indicated that positive antioxidant capacities
of TF(2)B on singlet oxygen, hydrogen peroxide, hydroxyl radical, and
the hydroxyl radical-induced DNA damage in vitro were found, according
to "Evaluation of the antioxidant effects of four main theaflavin derivatives through chemiluminescence and DNA damage analyses" by Wu YY, Li W, Xu Y, Jin EH, Tu YY.(22)
b. Anti inflammation
found that a single topical application of equimolar of black tea constituents (TF, theaflavin-3-gallate,
theaflavin-3'-gallate, and theaflavin-3,3'-digallate) strongly
inhibited TPA-induced edema of mouse ears. Application of TFs mixture to
mouse ears 20 min prior to each TPA application once a day for 4 days
inhibited TPA-induced persistent inflammation, as well as TPA-induced
increase in IL-1beta and IL-6 protein levels. TFs also inhibited
arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism via both cyclooxygenase (COX) and
lipoxygenase pathways, according to "Inhibitory
effects of black tea theaflavin derivatives on
12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate-induced inflammation and
arachidonic acid metabolism in mouse ears" by Huang MT, Liu Y, Ramji D, Lo CY, Ghai G, Dushenkov S, Ho CT.(23)
3. Gingerole, is also known as gingerol, a phytochemical of Flavonoids (polyphenols) found in
fresh ginger. and in variety of other plants. The herb has been used
to treat nausea and vomiting of pregnancy, motion sickness,
rheumatoid arthritis, relieve migraine, etc.
In
the investigation of the effectiveness of chemical constituents of
Zingiber officinale Rosc. (Zingiberaceae)in treating oxidative stress
found that compounds [6]-gingerol, [8]-gingerol, [10]-gingerol and [6]-shogaol of the herb scavenges
of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picyrlhydrazyl (DPPH), superoxide and hydroxyl
radicals, inhibitsof N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (f-MLP)
induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in human
polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN), lipopolysaccharide induced nitrite
and prostaglandin E(2) production in RAW 264.7 cells, according to the
study of "Comparative antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of
[6]-gingerol, [8]-gingerol, [10]-gingerol and [6]-shogaol" by Dugasani S, Pichika MR, Nadarajah VD, Balijepalli MK, Tandra S, Korlakunta JN(24)
4. Epigallocatechin, including
catechins, is a phytochemical of Flavan-3-ols, in the group of
Flavonoids (polyphenols), found abundantly in green tea, St John wort,
black Tea, carob flour, Fuji apples, etc.
a. Cholesterol
In the
examination of the influence of green tea extract, epicatechin (EC),
epicatechin galate (ECG) as well as epigallocatechin galate (EGCG) on
oxidative modifications of LDL
of human blood serum, found that Catechins and green tea abilities to
protect lipophilic antioxidant--alpha-tocopherol against oxidation
have been also examined. The results reveal that peroxidation of LDL
is markedly prevented by green tea extract and in a slightly weaker
way by catechins (EGCG in particular), which is manifested by a
decrease in concentration of conjugated dienes, lipid hydroperoxides,
MDA, dityrosine and by an increase in tryptophan content, according to "The comparison of effect of catechins and green tea extract on oxidative modification of LDL in vitro" by Ostrowska J, Skrzydlewska E.(25)
b. Anti diabetes
In the observation of the effect of tea catechins (epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), epigallocatechin (EGC), epicatechin gallate
(ECG) and epicatechin (EC)) on markers of oxidative stress
(malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH) and membrane -SH
group) in erythrocytes from type 2 diabetics, found that tea catechins
protect erythrocytes from t-BHP-induced oxidative stress, the effect
being more pronounced in diabetic erythrocytes. The relative
effectiveness of individual catechins are in the order of
EGCG>ECG>EGC>EC. 7. We hypothesise that a higher intake of
catechin-rich food by diabetic patients may provide some protection
against the development of long-term complications of diabetes, according to "Protective role of tea catechins against oxidation-induced damage of type 2 diabetic erythrocytes" by Rizvi SI, Zaid MA, Anis R, Mishra N.(26)
c. Antioxidants
In
the evaluation of the effects of the main polyphenolic components
extracted from green tea leaves, i.e. (-)-epicatechin (EC),
(-)-epigallocatechin (EGC), (-)-epicatechin gallate
(ECG), (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and gallic acid (GA),
against free radical initiated peroxidation of human low density
lipoprotein (LDL), found that The antioxidative action of the green tea
polyphenols includes trapping the initiating and/or propagating
peroxyl radicals with the activity sequence
EC>EGCG>ECG>EGC>GA for the AAPH initiated peroxidation,
and reducing the alpha-tocopheroxyl radical to regenerate
alpha-tocopherol with the activity sequence of
ECG>EC>EGCG>EGC>GA and ECG>EGCG>GA>EC>EGC for
the AAPH-initiated and BP-photosensitized peroxidations respectively,
according to "Antioxidative effects of
green tea polyphenols on free radical initiated and photosensitized
peroxidation of human low density lipoprotein" by Liu Z, Ma LP, Zhou B, Yang L, Liu ZL.(27)
5. Etc.
VI. Treatments
A. In conventional medicine perspective
Treatment is not necessary, if the
diagnosis indicated that the floater is harmless and will do causes nay
damage to the eye vision, but in severe case, the following may be
recommended
1. Vitrectomy
In the study to to evaluate the role of pars plana vitrectomy
(PPV) in patients with persistent vitreous floaters (VF) in phakic
(56.7 %) or pseudophakic (43.3 %) eyes, Dr. Roth M, and the research
team at the Universitätsspital Bern, showed that PPV to be a safe and
effective primary treatment for visually disturbing
VF. In spite of the small number of cases with a lower PVA (5 eyes/16.7
%), which in the most severe case corresponded to a reduction of VA
from 1.0 to 0.6 due to a nuclear sclerosis of the lens, all patients
were satisfied. As vitreoretinal complications may occur, a critical
patient selection and a careful preoperative assessment of specific
risks of vitrectomy are mandatory(28).
2. Laser vitreolysis
Dr. Y M Delaney and the research team at
The Department of Ophthalmology Stoke Mandeville Hospital Aylesbury
Buckinghamshire, in the study of Nd:YAG vitreolysis and pars plana
vitrectomy: surgical treatment for vitreous floaters, indicated that
Patients’ symptoms from vitreous floaters are often underestimated
resulting in no intervention. This paper shows Nd:YAG vitreolysis to be a
safe but only moderately effective primary treatment conferring
clinical benefit in one third of patients. Pars plana vitrectomy, while
offering superior results, should be reserved for patients who remain
markedly symptomatic following vitreolysis, until future studies further
clarify its role in the treatment of patients with floaters and
posterior vitreous detachment(29).
There
is no need to undergo any eye floaters treatment with respect to the
fact that the diagnose is utterly harmless and does not have any
influence on worsening of the vision or sight damage. Most of the
patients get used to this problem after some time and they begin to
ignore it and it ceases to bother them or possibly they perceive it only
when they increase the level of concentration for example on some white
wall.
The formation of eye floaters depends on
the natural changes in the vitreous body and is not caused by any
behavior of the patient: neither reading nor working on the computer.
Read more about Eye floaters - Muscae volitantes > Causes and treatment of floaters in the eye by www.about-vision.c
There
is no need to undergo any eye floaters treatment with respect to the
fact that the diagnose is utterly harmless and does not have any
influence on worsening of the vision or sight damage. Most of the
patients get used to this problem after some time and they begin to
ignore it and it ceases to bother them or possibly they perceive it only
when they increase the level of concentration for example on some white
wall.
The formation of eye floaters depends on
the natural changes in the vitreous body and is not caused by any
behavior of the patient: neither reading nor working on the computer.
Read more about Eye floaters - Muscae volitantes > Causes and treatment of floaters in the eye by www.about-vision.co
B. In Herbal medicine perspective
The aim of the treatment is to enhance
the repaired connective tissues, diabetic complication cause of floater
and improve circulation and protect the capillaries from broken off.
1. Repaired connective tissues
Loss of skin elasticity is one of the main problems of ageing. This is a
mechanical property influenced by elastin, a protein in the dermis
which, together with collagen and glycosaminoglycans, makes up the connective tissue. In the study to investigate the effects of lady's thistle (Silybum marianum GAERTN), alchemilla or yarrow (Alchemilla vulgaris L.), horsetail (Equisetum
arvense L.) as well as germinated seeds (Glycine soja Siebold and
Zucc., Triticum vulgare Vilars, Medicago sativa L., Raphanus sativus
L.), found that t the plant complex presents non-competitive inhibition in the order of
41.0% against PPE and 50.0% against HLE. An in vivo test was made
alongside the in vitro test using an SEM 474 Cutometer (Courage &
Khazaka) to study the elasticity of the skin, and positive effects were
obtained when applying a cosmetic formulation containing 5% of the plant
complex. Image analysis of duplicates of the cutaneous surface, before
and after treatment began with a product containing 5% of plant complex
and showed that wrinkles were decreased by 36.7%(30).
2. Diabetic complicationsa.
Dandelion
water
extract (DWE), an herbal medication, may exert an effect on the activity
and mRNA expression of hepatic antioxidant enzymes and lipid profile in
streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Dr. Cho SY and research team
at Yeungnam University suggested that a DWE supplement can improve the
lipid metabolism and is
beneficial in preventing diabetic complications from lipid peroxidation
and free radicals in diabetic rats(31).
3. Circulation enhancers
a. GINGER for EYE disorders: Taking Ginger will increase blood circulation so that more nutrition can reach your eye(32).
b. Garlic for VARICOSE VEINS. Garlic helps to keep your blood from
clumping or becoming too sticky, helping your blood move through your
blood vessels and reduces the risk of blood clots. One clove a day
should do the trick. You can also take garlic capsules. CAUTION:
Medication and Garlic could lead to uncontrolled bleeding and spell
HEMORRHAGIC STROKES if it occurs in your brain. To avoid this, take
caution against taking standardized garlic extract. Experts suggest
eating no more than one clove of garlic a day(33).
4. Prevent Eye diseases
Bilberry has been best known for its function in enhancing vision health, according to the study of "Natural therapies for ocular disorders, part two: cataracts and glaucoma" by Head
KA., posted in PubMed(4), researcher indicated that B vitamin
riboflavin appears to play an essential role as a precursor to flavin
adenine dinucleotide (FAD), a co-factor for glutathione reductase
activity. Other nutrients and botanicals, which may benefit cataract
patients or help prevent cataracts, include pantethine, folic acid,
melatonin, and bilberry(34)
5. Other suggested dandelion, milk thistle, Ginkgo Biloba, etc.
C. In traditional Chinese medicine perspective(35)
According tothe article of FLOATERS AND THEIR TREATMENT WITH CHINESE HERBS
by Subhuti Dharmananda, Ph.D., Director, Institute for Traditional Medicine, Portland, Oregon wrote that
in theEnglish-Chinese Encyclopedia of Practical Traditional Chinese Medicine
(2), there is a short section on diseases of the vitreous. The
clinical manifestations are said to range from mild cases with black
shadows floating up and down like flying flies (but no other change in
vision) to severe cases, where the eyes seem to be covered by a
membrane. There are three categories of causation listed:
1. Accumulation and steaming up of damp-heat and attack of turbid qi
a. This corresponds to the disorder of the gallbladder described above.
b. A
recommended formula is modified San ren Tang (Three Seed Decoction), which have a function to clear damp-heat. Ingredients includes
b.1. Xing Ren (Apricot Seed or Kernel)
b.2. Bai Dou Kou (Round Cardamom Fruit)
b.3. Hou Po (Magnolia Bark)
b.4. Ban Xia (Pinellia Rhizome)
b.5. Yi Yi Ren (Seeds of Job's Tears)
b.6. Tong Cao (Rice Paper Pith, Tetrapanax)
b.7. Dan Zhu Ye (Lophatherum Stem and Leaves)
b.8.Hua Shi (Talcum)
2. Stagnation of liver qi, resulting in blood stasis and
extravasation of blood.
a. This corresponds to the leakage of blood into
the vitreous cavity, perhaps as a result of retinitis.
b. A recommended
formula is modified Jiawei Xiaoyao San (Bupleurum and Peony Formula.
b.1.Radix Bupleuri Chinensis (Chai hu)
b.2. Radix Angelicae Sinensis (Dang gui)
b.3. Radix Paeoniae Lactiflorae (Bai shao)
b.4. Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae (Bai zhu)
b.5. Sclerotium Poriae Cocos (Fu ling)
b.6. Radix Glycyrrhizae Uralensis (Gan cao)
b.7. Cortex Moutan Radicis (Paeonia Suffruticosa) (Mu dan pi)
b.8. Fructus Gardeniae Jasminoidis (Zhi zi)
b.9. Herba Menthae Haplocalycis (Bo he)
3. Deficiency of kidney and liver, resulting in flaring up of
deficiency fire.
a. This corresponds to the weakness of the kidney water,
and associated heat that causes drying of the vitreous.
b. The recommended
formula is a modified Zhibai Dihuang Tang (Anemarrhena, Phellodendron, and Rehmannia Formula),. Ingredients include
b.1. Radix Rehmanniae Preparata (Shu Di Huang)
b.2. Fructus Corni Officinalis (Shan Zhu Yu)
b.3. Cortex Moutan Radicis (Paeonia Suffruticosa) (Mu Dan Pi)
b.4. Rhizoma Dioscoreae Oppositae (Shan Yao)
b.5. Sclerotium Poriae Cocos (Fu Ling)
b.6. Rhizoma Alismatis Orientalis (Ze Xie)
b.7. Rhizoma Anemarrhenae Asphodeloidis (Zhi Mu)
b.8. Cortex Phellodendri Chinensis (Huang Bo)
Sources
(36) http://www.itmonline.org/arts/floaters.htm
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