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.

>I'm wondering how to proceed.  I have an appointment scheduled with an
>ophthalmologist in a week, but I don't imagine he'll be helpful in pointing
>out the possible cause of the floater.

>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:
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, but it has been
so long since I visited there, I have forgotten the exact name of the
group.

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.

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

Doing certain eye exercises may be helpful. Be careful of certain yoga
postures: despite what some yogis claim, the headstand is not universally
good for the eyes. It can do more harm than good if the eye problem is
a pitta disorder. Consult an Ayurvedic practicioner if you have serious
eye problems and are thinking of doing inverted yoga poses. (Floaters
are usually not considered serious).

I hope the above is helpful!

Regards,
Tom Billings
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