Episode 82: Why These Centenarians Don't Develop Macular Degeneration

Episode 82: Why These Centenarians Don't Develop Macular Degeneration

In Episode 82 of The Eye-Q Podcast™, Dr. Rani Banik sits down with integrative optometrist, filmmaker and podcast host Dr. Kerry Gelb to explore why the eyes are much more than organs of sight. Dr. Gelb explains how examining the retina and its blood vessels may provide important clues about cardiovascular health, diabetes, inflammation and other systemic concerns. He also shares what he discovered while visiting centenarians in Nicoya, Costa Rica, one of the world’s Blue Zones. Did these adults living beyond 100 develop age-related macular degeneration—and what might their nutrition, movement, community and lifestyle teach us about vision longevity? You’ll also hear practical insights about: • Nutrition and age-related eye disease • Lutein, zeaxanthin and omega-3-rich foods • Exercise, sleep and morning sunlight • Stress management and healthy aging • The connection between retinal and cardiovascular health • The biggest misconception about the eyes and the rest of the body This whole-body conversation may change the way you think about eye examinations—and what your eyes can tell you about your health. Follow The Eye-Q Podcast™ so you never miss an episode, and share this conversation with someone who wants to protect their vision for life. ABOUT MY GUEST: Dr. Kerry Gelb is an optometrist, health educator and creator of the documentary Open Your Eyes. He also hosts the Open Your Eyes Podcast, which explores the connections among eye health, nutrition, lifestyle and systemic wellness. Watch until the end to hear Dr. Gelb identify what he believes is the single biggest misconception about eye health. Subscribe to The Eye-Q Podcast™ for evidence-informed conversations about eye health, brain health, nutrition, migraine, healthy aging and vision longevity. Please like this episode, leave your questions in the comments and share it with someone who wants to protect their eyesight. This episode is intended for education only and does not replace individualized medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. #EyeHealth #MacularDegeneration #HealthyAging #IntegrativeMedicine #TheEyeQPodcast

Episode 81: Eye Trauma: How to Protect Your Vision Before It's Too Late

A split second can change your vision forever. In this episode of The Eye-Q Podcast, Dr. Rani Banik welcomes renowned retina surgeon Dr. Ronald Gentile for an essential conversation about eye trauma, emergency eye care, and preventing vision loss. Together they discuss sports injuries, workplace accidents, chemical burns, retinal trauma, and the critical first steps to take after an eye injury. Dr. Gentile also explains why protective eyewear can prevent the vast majority of serious eye injuries and shares practical advice that every parent, athlete, coach, and DIY enthusiast should know. • What to do immediately after an eye injury • When to seek emergency eye care • How sports injuries can permanently damage vision • Why chemical eye injuries require immediate treatment • How protective eyewear helps prevent blindness • Common myths about eye injuries Whether you're an athlete, parent, homeowner, or someone who simply wants to know how to protect your vision, this episode could help you respond quickly—and potentially save someone's sight.

Episode 080: Living Blind: Independence, Advocacy & Thriving with Vision Loss

What does everyday life really look like when you're born with severe vision loss? In this episode of The Eye-Q Podcast, Dr. Rani Banik, MD speaks with her patient, Milica Milić, who lives with Leber's Congenital Amaurosis (LCA). Milica shares her remarkable journey—from childhood diagnosis to becoming a teacher of students with visual impairments and an advocate for accessibility and independent living. Together they discuss early signs of congenital vision loss, navigating school and work, self-advocacy, assistive technology, Braille, orientation and mobility, and how people with blindness can build fulfilling, independent lives. Whether you have low vision, know someone who does, or simply want to better understand life through a different perspective, this conversation is filled with practical advice, inspiration, and hope. In this episode you'll learn: • What is Leber's Congenital Amaurosis • How blindness affects everyday life • Why self-advocacy is one of the most important life skills • How families can better support children with vision loss • Practical strategies for thriving—not just surviving—with blindness About My Guest Milica Milić is a teacher of students with visual impairments and an advocate for accessibility and independent living. Diagnosed with Leber's Congenital Amaurosis (LCA), she combines her lived experience with professional expertise to help children with visual impairments build confidence, independence, and life skills. She also mentors young adults with vision loss, helping them navigate education, careers, and daily living. Connect with Dr. Rani Banik, MD 🌿 Website: https://www.drranibanik.com [https://www.drranibanik.com] 🛍 Shop: https://shop.rudranibanikmd.com [https://shop.rudranibanikmd.com] 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.ranibanik [https://www.instagram.com/dr.ranibanik] ▶️ Subscribe for weekly videos on eye health, nutrition, brain health, and integrative medicine. #Blindness #LowVision #LebersCongenitalAmaurosis #EyeHealth #VisionLoss #Accessibility #NeuroOphthalmology #EyeQPodcast #DrRaniBanik

Episode 079: Eye on Eye Stroke: New Treatment for Central Retinal Artery Occlusion

Can an eye stroke be treated? What causes sudden vision loss in one eye? And what should you do if it happens? In this episode of The Eye-Q Podcast™, Dr. Rudrani Banik interviews retina specialist Dr. Gareth Lema about central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO), commonly known as an eye stroke. Dr. Lema explains the difference between retinal artery occlusions and retinal vein occlusions, why sudden painless vision loss is always a medical emergency, and how new hospital protocols are changing the way certain patients are treated. Together, they discuss: • What causes an eye stroke • The warning signs that require immediate medical attention • Why every minute matters after sudden vision loss • A breakthrough treatment using clot-dissolving medication (TPA) for selected patients • How OCT imaging is helping doctors diagnose eye strokes faster • The link between eye stroke, carotid artery disease, heart disease, and brain stroke • The cardiovascular workup every patient should receive • Lifestyle habits that support healthy blood vessels and may reduce future stroke risk, including nutrition, exercise, blood pressure control, and proper hydration If you or someone you love experiences sudden painless vision loss, this episode could help you recognize an emergency and seek care quickly. Gareth Lema, MD, PhD is a retina specialist at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai. He specializes in retinal vascular disease and helped pioneer Mount Sinai's multidisciplinary protocol for the rapid diagnosis and treatment of central retinal artery occlusion, bringing together retina specialists, neurologists, emergency physicians, and interventional neuroradiologists to improve patient outcomes. About My Guest Gareth Lema, MD, PhD is a retina specialist at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai. He specializes in retinal vascular disease and helped pioneer Mount Sinai's multidisciplinary protocol for the rapid diagnosis and treatment of central retinal artery occlusion, bringing together retina specialists, neurologists, emergency physicians, and interventional neuroradiologists to improve patient outcomes. https://profiles.mountsinai.org/gareth-lemahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/garethlema/https://www.facebook.com/GLRetina/https://www.instagram.com/garethlemamdphd/Connect with Rani Banik, MD🌐 Website: https://www.drranibanik.comShop: https://shop.rudranibanikmd.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrRaniBanikInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.ranibanikFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/EnVisionHealthNYC

Episode 078 Eye on the Corneal Abrasions, Ulcers & Keratoconus

What should you do if you scratch your eye? Can contact lenses cause blindness? What exactly is keratoconus? In this episode of The Eye-Q Podcast™, Dr. Rudrani Banik interviews cornea specialist Dr. Amita Vadada about some of the most common and potentially serious conditions affecting the cornea, the clear front window of the eye. They discuss corneal abrasions, corneal ulcers, contact lens safety, keratoconus, corneal cross-linking, and the warning signs that require urgent medical attention. In this episode: • What is a corneal abrasion? • How long do corneal scratches take to heal? • When is an eye injury an emergency? • What causes corneal ulcers? • Why are contact lens wearers at higher risk? • Can you shower or swim in contact lenses? • What is keratoconus and who gets it? • How does corneal cross-linking work? • Can keratoconus be prevented? Dr. Vadada also explains the latest advances in treatment and shares practical tips to help protect your vision. Dr. Amita Vadada is a fellowship-trained cornea specialist and cataract surgeon whose expertise includes corneal disease, corneal transplantation, cataract surgery, ocular surface disease, and keratoconus management. She is also the founder of Keralogic MD and is passionate about patient education and innovation in eye care. About My Guest Dr. Amita Vadada is a fellowship-trained cornea specialist and cataract surgeon whose expertise includes corneal disease, corneal transplantation, cataract surgery, ocular surface disease, and keratoconus management. She is also the founder of Keralogic MD and is passionate about patient education and innovation in eye care.