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

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.

Episode 077: Can Autoimmune Disease Affect Your Eyes? Understanding Uveitis with Deep Parikh, MD

Can autoimmune disease affect your eyes? In this episode of The Eye-Q Podcast™, Dr. Rani Banik sits down with uveitis specialist Dr. Deep Parikh to discuss uveitis, a potentially sight-threatening form of eye inflammation that is often linked to autoimmune disease. They explore how conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Crohn's disease, ankylosing spondylitis, and other inflammatory disorders can affect the eyes, sometimes years before a diagnosis is made. Dr. Parikh explains the warning signs of uveitis, including eye pain, redness, floaters, blurry vision, and light sensitivity, and why early diagnosis is critical to preventing permanent vision loss. You'll learn how eye inflammation is diagnosed, the different types of uveitis, current treatment options, and the role of lifestyle factors, nutrition, stress management, and targeted supplements in supporting overall eye health. ✔ What is uveitis and why can it threaten vision? ✔ The connection between autoimmune disease and eye inflammation ✔ Symptoms that should never be ignored ✔ How ophthalmologists diagnose and monitor uveitis ✔ Treatment options including steroids and immunomodulatory therapies ✔ The role of inflammation in long-term eye health ✔ Nutrition and lifestyle strategies that may help support healthy vision If you have an autoimmune condition, unexplained eye symptoms, or simply want to understand how the eyes reflect overall health, this episode is packed with valuable insights. About My Guest Deep Parikh, MD is a board-certified ophthalmologist and fellowship-trained uveitis specialist who focuses on diagnosing and treating inflammatory eye diseases. He works closely with rheumatologists, neurologists, and other specialists to help patients manage complex autoimmune and inflammatory conditions affecting the eyes. Chapters 00:00 Introduction01:00 What is uveitis?03:00 Different types of uveitis05:00 Autoimmune diseases linked to eye inflammation07:00 Symptoms you should never ignore10:00 How uveitis is diagnosed14:00 Treatment options19:00 Nutrition and supplements25:00 Stress, inflammation, and flare prevention28:00 Warning signs requiring urgent care30:00 Final thoughts Connect with Dr. Deep Parikh Instagram: @drdeepparikh Connect with Dr. Rani Banik Website: ⁠https://www.drranibanik.com⁠ [https://www.drranibanik.com] Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/dr.ranibanik⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/dr.ranibanik] YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@DrRaniBanik⁠ Shop: ⁠https://shop.rudranibanikmd.com⁠ [https://shop.rudranibanikmd.com]

Episode 076 Could Vision Loss Be the First Sign of MS? Lyme, Optic Neuritis & Brain Inflammation

Could dim vision, optic neuritis, or unexplained vision loss be one of the first signs of multiple sclerosis? In Episode 76 of The Eye-Q Podcast™, Dr. Rani Banik welcomes Dr. Darin Ingels, ND, a naturopathic doctor, Lyme disease expert, author, and international speaker, for a fascinating conversation on the eye-brain-body connection. Dr. Ingels shares his personal journey with Lyme disease and multiple sclerosis, including how dim vision may have been one of his earliest MS symptoms. Together, Dr. Banik and Dr. Ingels explore how neuroinflammation, autoimmune disease, gut health, mitochondrial function, and myelin damage can affect the nervous system—and why vision changes should never be ignored. In this episode, you’ll learn: • Why optic neuritis and dim vision can be early signs of MS • The connection between Lyme disease, MS, and neuroinflammation • How diet and gut health may support autoimmune and neurologic health • Dr. Ingels’ top supplements for neuroinflammation, including omega-3 fatty acids, phosphatidylcholine, and CoQ10 • The potential role of lion’s mane mushroom and N-acetylglucosamine in myelin support • Why sleep, movement, and stress reduction matter for brain repair • How hyperbaric oxygen therapy may support mitochondrial function, circulation, and inflammation • What to know about infrared sauna, red light therapy, and heat intolerance in MS This episode is especially helpful for anyone interested in multiple sclerosis, optic neuritis, Lyme disease, neuroinflammation, autoimmune disease, brain health, natural strategies for MS, and integrative approaches to nervous system repair. Guest: Dr. Darin Ingels, ND, FAAEM, FMAPS Website: https://dariningelsnd.com [https://dariningelsnd.com] Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Please consult your healthcare professional before making changes to your treatment plan, diet, supplements, or therapies.