>Judy Pokras <[log in to unmask]>:
>>A few days ago, I developed a "floater" in one of my eyes.  I'm wondering if
>>it has come about because of some deficiency in my diet.

>>If anyone has any knowledge about what causes floaters or how to prevent
>>others in the future (or make this one disappear), I'd appreciate hearing
>>from you.

>Tom Billings wrote:
>As I understand it, floaters are simply dead blood cells in the eye.
>Your Opthalmologist will probably tell you they are normal, and nothing
>to be concerned about. You might want to post your question in the rn
>newsgroup for vision: I think it is sci.med.vision,

This is a good idea.  I'll find them...

>There are herbs and eyerinses one can use to promote eye health, also
>certain foods to avoid (none of which were on the list in your post),
>to promote eye health.

>Herbs for the eyes (Ayurvedic): amalaki, taken with warm water at
>night; triphala churna - taken morning or night; both make excellent
>eyerinses also. Chrysanthemum blossoms, rose petals are helpful as well.
>Western herbs: eyebright (orally or as eyerinse), fennel. In making
>eyerinses, dosage is important - easy to make them too strong - should be
>dilute for use ae eyerinse, else too drying to the eyes.

Is there a book you could recommend for dosage information?

>Foods to avoid: watermelon (increases pressure in the eyes - not good if
>you have glaucoma or optic nerve problems)

Hmmm.  I LOVE watermelon and have been eating a lot of it.  But I have in
past summers and never developed a floater before.

, chickpeas/channa - produce white
>mucus in the eyes - if you eat them with turmeric this might not be a
>problem. Excess salt is bad for the eyes. Heavy use of hot spices is also
>bad for the eyes.

>I hope the above is helpful!

Tom, your postings are always extremely helpful!  I certainly appreciate
your knowledge and time!

Judy