Lutein & Eye Floaters: How This Nutrient Can Support Your Vision Health

An Introduction to Eye Health

How well we can see is an essential factor in an ideal quality of life. After all, it’s hard to appreciate the world around us if we can’t view it clearly.

Optimal eyesight is crucial for maintaining an active and engaged lifestyle and overall well-being.

On a surface level, our eyes are simply two orbs that allow us to see, but, of course, they’re much more complicated than that. In reality, they serve as incredibly complex cameras that take in a massive amount of visual information and, fittingly, they are set up like intricate machinery.

The human eye has various components, including the lens, pupil, retina, and vitreous humor.

The Vitreous Humor

Although it’s not commonly known, the vitreous humor—sometimes referred to as just the vitreous—takes up much of our eye. It’s the transparent gel-like substance that fills the eye between the lens (near the front) and the retina (at the back).

Within the vitreous humor are collagen fibers and, especially as we age, these fibers may clump together and cast shadows on the retina. These shadows are referred to as floaters or eye floaters. (1)   

Understanding Eye Floaters

Appearing as cloudy spots in the vitreous gel, eye floaters may be caused by numerous factors, with some present for people at birth.

The vitreous begins to shrink as we age, pulling away from the retina and causing floaters to show up in the field of vision. (2) In addition to the aging process, floaters may be the result of certain kinds of injuries or medical conditions. (3)

Though eye floaters tend to be harmless and are quite common, a notable increase in their number or a significant change in appearance could be a sign of a serious issue such as a retinal tear. (3)

While seeing occasional floaters is almost unavoidable, one factor is much more under our control: bright light.

Bright Light and Vision Health

Although we’re biologically trained to appreciate bright light—it livens our mood and, in the case of the sun, gives us beneficial vitamin D—significant brightness, especially blue or UV light, can make the appearance of floaters worse. This can be particularly noticeable when looking at the sky on a sunny day or a solid block of light color like a white wall.

Sunglasses with UV coating are go-to protection when outside, but bright lights indoors are harder to escape.

Blue light, which is emitted by devices with digital screens, can lead to eye strain and contribute indirectly to age-related macular degeneration. Extended exposure to blue light from our phones, computers, etc. may also increase the risk of macular degeneration and other eye issues. (4)

And, not surprisingly, this very same light also makes floaters that much more obvious.

So it’s important to take screen breaks and maintain eye health when constantly exposed to phones, computer screens, and other digital devices.

Given the ubiquity of bright light both outside and inside, how can we protect our vision and decrease the visibility of floaters? One of the clearest answers is lutein.

What Is Lutein?

Lutein is a powerful antioxidant carotenoid found in high levels in the macula, the small part of the retina that is responsible for central vision. (5)

Since lutein is not generated in the body, it must come from external sources. A diet high in leafy greens, egg yolks, and certain brightly colored fruits and vegetables provides a good source of this nutrient. (6)

Lutein is optimally absorbed when consumed along with healthy fats, which increase the antioxidant’s bioavailability. (7)

Lutein & Zeaxanthin

Zeaxanthin, along with lutein, is the other main macular pigment found in the eye. And, like lutein, zeaxanthin is present in egg yolks, leafy greens, and some fruits and vegetables. (8)

Together lutein and zeaxanthin are potent antioxidants that play a key role in protecting vision from oxidative damage. (9)

How Lutein and Zeaxanthin Support the Body

Although these two nutrients are best known for encouraging optimal vision, they do play a role in another extremely important part of the body: the brain.

Studies have shown that the anti-inflammatory properties of lutein and zeaxanthin that are inherent in their antioxidant activity also protect the brain’s neurons and help to uphold cognitive health. (10)

The majority of research on lutein and zeaxanthin, however, has focused on their vision benefits. The Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 (AREDS2) found that lutein, along with zeaxanthin, is crucial in slowing down macular degeneration. (11)

Acting as a natural filter for blue light, lutein, along with its carotenoid companion zeaxanthin, protects the retina from oxidative stress that can be caused by high-energy light. (12) This crucial activity is one of the main reasons why these antioxidants are associated with discouraging floaters.

How Lutein and Zeaxanthin Help with Eye Floaters

Lutein's protective attributes, especially when paired with zeaxanthin, encourage overall retinal health, which may assist in slowing the progression of optical conditions linked to floaters. (13)

Vitreous wellness is essential for clear vision, and nutrients like lutein can help maintain the health of the vitreous. Lutein and its fellow antioxidants, including vitamin C, are known for supporting collagen structure, and this activity may reinforce collagen integrity, possibly reducing the formation of floaters. (13)

Eye floaters can lead to visual discomfort and negatively affect visual performance, but certain formulas, particularly when paired with vitamins, may help lessen their impact. (14)

The Benefits of Eye Supplements

Most people fall short of getting enough vitamins and nutrients in their diet. This includes often lacking the recommended 10 mg of lutein for optimal eye wellness. (15)

Supplementation with lutein and other nutrients can improve visual function and may help with managing age-related eye conditions. These supplements can also help reduce oxidative stress and protect the eyes from environmental stressors. (13)

Trusted brands of vitamins that offer scientifically proven ingredients can support eye health over time.

Our top pick for an eye health supplement is Performance Lab® Vision. Vision showcases lutein and zeaxanthin, along with other sight-supportive antioxidants.

While scientific research doesn’t yet point to lutein supplementation as a direct treatment for existing eye floaters, the carotenoid is widely embraced for its support of overall vision wellness, possibly discouraging future floaters.

Certain vitamins and nutrients can help support the health of the vitreous and may reduce the severity or frequency of floaters over time. Combining a lutein supplement with a formula that contains vitamin C further encourages optimal sight, including vitreous health. (16)

In fact, vitamins such as vitamin C and vitamin E, along with zinc, are all linked to eye wellness. (17) These vitamins and more are included in Performance Lab’s nutritional supplements NutriGenesis® Multi for Men and NutriGenesis® Multi for Women.

Additionally, Performance Lab’s Omega-3 supplement brings in cognitive and cardiovascular support, while also encouraging overall eye health. (18)

Final Thoughts

Antioxidants are important for reducing oxidative stress, which can contribute to the development of eye floaters. (16)

As a powerful member of the family of antioxidants, lutein reduces oxidative damage as it scavenges harmful free radicals. (19)

Lutein and zeaxanthin are important for maintaining healthy vision and found in a variety of foods, including leafy greens and eggs. (8)

By maintaining good nutrition and overall health, you can help support eye wellness and reduce the likelihood of vision issues over time.

Eye floaters are the shadows of tiny bits of collagen in the vitreous, the fluid substance inside the eye. (3)

Help with eye floaters begins by encouraging optimal eye health.

Supported by a balanced diet, regular eye exams can help identify potential vision issues early on.

While there’s no magic pill that can eliminate floaters completely, certain supplements, like Performance Lab® Vision, may assist in slowing their progression or preventing the formation of new ones. (13)