Chronic stress, immune imbalance, and thyroid dysfunction are deeply interconnected. This forms a stress–immune–thyroid triad where each system influences the others, affecting energy, mood, and resilience. Research shows that targeted support—including adaptogens, micronutrients can help restore communication across this network. Rather than offering quick fixes, this systems-based approach addresses underlying feedback loops, combining clinical insight, patient engagement, and supportive lifestyle practices to rebuild physiological balance and improve well-being over time.
Laura Lewis, MS
One of the many challenges of aging is that you may start to notice blurry spots or shadows that seem to float around in your vision. No matter how many eye baths you take or eyedrops you squirt, they won’t go away. This is because floaters are not on your eye but inside your eye.
The inside of the eyeball is made up of a collagen jelly called vitreous. Vitreous maintains the round shape of your eyeball and keeps the retina in place.
As we age, the water and collagen in vitreous can separate, and the floaters we see are small chunks of collagen, floating around in small pockets of liquified vitreous.
Floaters are so common that 24% of people will have experienced them by age 59, and 87% will experience them after age 80. [1]
It is important to note that floaters should not hurt or cause light sensitivity. If you experience these symptoms, or a sudden onset of multiple floaters, you should seek medical attention. Floaters can also appear as a symptom of head/eye trauma.
Supplements for Eye Floaters & Eye Health*
You can and should be proactive about the health of your eyes. It is important to consider the vitality and longevity of your eyes and vision as you age!
Bromelain
Bromelain is a powerful protease isolated from the core of pineapples. It supports a healthy cytokine response and is an effective digestive enzyme that supports nutrient availability in the gastrointestinal system.*
Just as it helps break up proteins from your food, bromelain may also help to break up proteins (floaters) in your eyes!
The proteolytic breakdown of floaters (scientifically referred to as “vitreous opacities”) with pineapple protease supplementation has been investigated.* [1-3]
Even daily consumption of actual pineapple fruit has been shown to have a beneficial effect on the disappearance of floaters, in a dose-dependent manner. [1] One study showed that about 70% of those who ate pineapple every day for three months saw significant improvement in floaters. It is the bromelain in the pineapple, specifically, that is credited for the mechanism behind this effect;* however, we know that foods are a complex matrix of compounds which may or may not have contributory factors. [1-3]
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid (HA) occurs naturally in many parts of the body (connective, epithelial, and neural tissues), and one of those places is in the vitreous of the eye.* [4] While you may have heard of HA supplementation for skin hydration or joint comfort, it can also support the moisture and comfort of your eyes.*
HA benefits skin and cartilage as a support for healthy cytokine regulation and by helping to draw and hold water molecules in a collagen matrix.*
HA is often used in eye surgeries to replace natural fluids in the vitreous. Topical HA drops have been used for some time for proper tear maintenance in dry eyes. [4] One trial showed the combination of oral HA supplementation and HA eye drops provides added benefit to the eyes.*[4]
Lutein and Zeaxanthin
Lutein and zeaxanthin are arguably the best supplement choice to support your vision and eye health as you age.*
Lutein and zeaxanthin are the only carotenoids found in the macula of the eye. These two carotenoids work together to make a yellow-colored pigment within the retina. The yellow pigment absorbs blue light, protecting the underlying photoreceptor cell layer from damage caused by certain sources of blue light (namely, the sun and device screens). [5]
Higher levels of macular pigment in the retina are associated with healthy macular tissue.[5] Since lutein and zeaxanthin help build macular pigment, increasing intake of these nutrients may support long-term ocular health.* [5]
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is SO IMPORTANT and more than half of the global population is deficient. [6] The rates of deficiency are likely closer to 80% in melanated communities in the US. [7]
Vitamin D is one of the few nutrients that people in affluent/developed nations are more likely to be deficient in. This is because working and living mostly inside and protecting our skin from sun damage prevents adequate vitamin D production. Unfortunately, vitamin D is found in very few natural foods. Supplementation is a way for most to get the vitamin D levels they need for optimal health.*
Vitamin D status is associated with eye-related health.* [8-13] Vitamin D supports the longevity of your ocular health and vision.*
Disclaimer:
The information provided is for educational purposes only. Consult your physician or healthcare practitioner if you have specific questions before instituting any changes in your daily lifestyle including changes in diet, exercise, and supplement use.
Laura Lewis is a clinical researcher and science communicator with a Master of Science degree and a background in nutrition science and integrative health. She brings a decade of experience translating complex clinical data into accessible insights for healthcare practitioners and patients alike.
Laura has contributed to educational programming and strategic content development across the integrative and functional medicine space. Her strengths lie in evidence synthesis, practitioner engagement, and crafting communications that bridge the gap between scientific rigor and real-world application. At ARG, Laura supports clinical content development and educational initiatives that elevate practitioner confidence and product credibility.