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

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.

Episode 075: Dr. Harsha Reddy: One Eye Doctor's Global Mission

In this episode of The Eye-Q Podcast, I speak with Dr. Harsha Reddy about oculoplastics, surgical training, medical education, and global ophthalmology. We discuss how eye care can restore function, confidence, and dignity, and how his nonprofit Lokana brings exams, glasses, and surgical access to remote tribal communities in India. - - - - - About the Guest: Dr. Harsha Reddy is an associate professor of ophthalmology at New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai, an oculoplastic surgeon, and residency program director. He is also the founder of Lokana.org, a nonprofit supporting eye care access for underserved tribal communities in India. He is working on a documentary film, Eternal Trees, Eternal Mountains, to help preserve and share their stories. - - - - - Social Handles: Website: https://www.drharshareddy.com/ [https://www.drharshareddy.com/] - - - - - Social Handles: Shop: ⁠https://shop.rudranibanikmd.com/collections/all⁠ [https://shop.rudranibanikmd.com/collections/all] Website: ⁠https://www.drranibanik.com/ [https://www.drranibanik.com/] ⁠ [https://www.drranibanik.com/]YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8mil8P9tXSRXwEdNX6aRw⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8mil8P9tXSRXwEdNX6aRw] Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/dr.ranibanik/⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/dr.ranibanik/] Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/EnVisionHealthNYC/?_rdc=1&_rdr#⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/EnVisionHealthNYC/?_rdc=1&_rdr#] - - - - - Go beyond carrots and supercharge your vision! In her book, available on Amazon, Dr. Rudrani Banik reveals over 30 essential nutrients and 40 delicious recipes designed to protect and strengthen your eyesight for years to come: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Beyond Carrots: Best Foods for Eye Health, A to Z⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://a.co/d/08b7PsrS]. - - - - - PODCAST Thank you for listening. Please subscribe and share. This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/ [https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/]

Episode 074: Eye on Brain Tumors: When Vision Changes Signal Something Deeper

In this episode of The Eye-Q Podcast, I speak with neurosurgeon Dr. Raj Shrivastava about how brain tumors can sometimes show up through vision changes, headaches, hormone symptoms, or loss of smell. We discuss benign skull-based tumors, pituitary tumors, when to seek care, why guided testing matters, and how modern neurosurgery now focuses on effective treatment with quality of life in mind. - - - - - About the Guest: Dr. Raj Shrivastava is a neurosurgeon at Mount Sinai in New York City who specializes in benign skull-based tumors and complex neurologic conditions. Through his work with patients whose symptoms may involve vision, hormones, smell, or brain health, he brings a thoughtful and reassuring perspective to The Eye-Q Podcast's mission of helping listeners understand the deeper connections between eye health, brain health, and overall wellness. - - - - - Social Handles: Shop: https://shop.rudranibanikmd.com/collections/all [https://shop.rudranibanikmd.com/collections/all] Website: https://www.drranibanik.com/ [https://www.drranibanik.com/] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8mil8P9tXSRXwEdNX6aRw [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8mil8P9tXSRXwEdNX6aRw] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.ranibanik/ [https://www.instagram.com/dr.ranibanik/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EnVisionHealthNYC/?_rdc=1&_rdr# [https://www.facebook.com/EnVisionHealthNYC/?_rdc=1&_rdr#] Go beyond carrots and supercharge your vision! In her book, available on Amazon, Dr. Rudrani Banik reveals over 30 essential nutrients and 40 delicious recipes designed to protect and strengthen your eyesight for years to come: ⁠⁠⁠Beyond Carrots: Best Foods for Eye Health, A to Z⁠⁠⁠ [https://a.co/d/08b7PsrS]. - - - - - PODCAST Thank you for listening. Please subscribe and share. This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/ [https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/]