A common question asked is whether there is a link between eye floaters and B12 deficiency. There is no doubt about it that when the human body is not absorbing the right amount of nutrients and vitamins it can succumb to the harsh demands of modern living.
Before we discuss a link between eye floaters and B12 deficiency it would be appropriate to briefly explain a little about vitamin B12, its role in the body’s health and the symptoms that are a result of being deficient in this essential vitamin.
Why Vitamin B12 is Essential To Your Health
Vitamin B12 comes from the range of complex vitamins. It is water soluble and is naturally derived from a variety of food sources that include meat, fish, milk, cheese and eggs. B12 is an essential vitamin that plays a number of vital roles in maintaining the health of the human body. One of its main roles is the development of red blood cells and the function of the bodies central nervous system.
The Development Of Eye Floaters
Eye floaters are those spots are squiggly translucent string like lines that move in and around your line of vision. They are more visible when you move your eyes or if you focus your sight on a bright object such as a light or when looking up at the sky.
Floaters in eyes can be caused by when the vitreous detaches from the inner lining of the eye. The vitreous is a gel like substance that gives the eye ball its rounded shape. When we are born the consistency of this jelly like substance is firm however, as we age the vitreous looses its elasticity and begins to liquefy.
This results in filling the inner eye with a watery substance. During this process parts of the vitreous will remain solid and begin floating around the watery centre. This gives the effect of seeing these string like threads floating in front of your eyes.
As long as the retina (the inner lining of the eye) remains healthy and intact vitreous floaters are not a serious concern. Although, for some people they can be more of a nuisance. However, if a person sees many floaters appearing at one time and accompanied by flashing spots this could be a signal something more serious.
This could be the vitreous detaching itself from the retina or the retina itself becoming separated from the inner lining of the eye. When these two occurrences take place the risk of a retina detachment increases. With these types of symptoms it is important that medical advise is sought as soon as possible.
Symptoms Associated With Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Their is no direct link between eye floaters and B12 deficiency however, a lack if B12 can cause mild and serious health complications. Vitamin B12 plays a vital role in the formation of red blood cells and the transfer of oxygen therefore, individuals who do not absorb vitamin B 12 properly have feelings of tiredness and fatigue, exhaustion and muscle weakness.
As their is close association between folic acid and B12 there is also no direct link between eye floaters and folic acid deficiency.
Other weird symptoms from vitamin B12 deficiency may include sensitive skin and tongue, dermatitis, eczema, anxiety, dizziness and memory loss. These may be the cause of a vitamin B12 deficiency complication called anemia which results in the body not being able to develop enough red blood cells.
Risk Factors Associated With Retinal Detachment And B12 Deficiency
As the causes of floaters is primarily linked to us getting older then, the incidences of this happening increase as we age. People who suffer from myopia or short sightedness also have a higher incidence of forming floaters. As pointed out earlier in the article, incidences of many floaters appearing at once with bright flashes could be a sign retinal detachment and medical advise should be sought immediately. Other symptoms can include foggy or blurred vision however, this may also be related to the eye condition optic neuritis.
Diabetics can have a condition called diabetic retinopathy. This causes damage to the eye due to the health complications related to diabetes and can increase the risk of retina or vitreous detachments. The risk factor associated with retinal detachment is severe. If not treated it can eventually lead to permanent eye damage and loss of sight.
Acute symptoms of B12 deficiency can lead to serious health complications if left untreated. These serious conditions can result in diseases and disorders related to the bodies central nervous system. Therefore, if symptoms persist a person should see their doctor or physician as soon as possible.
Although, there is no direct link connecting eye floaters and B12 deficiency both symptoms should be monitored carefully and if they persist are cause further health problems then the best option is to seek qualified medical advice.
Disclaimer: All material in this article is provided for your information only and may not be construed as medical advice or instruction. No action or inaction should be taken based solely on the contents of this information; instead, readers should consult appropriate health professionals on any matter relating to their health and well-being. Readers who fail to consult with appropriate health authorities assume the risk of any injuries.
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