Episode Summary:

Podcast: Hadley Presents: A Conversation with the Experts
Episode: Everyday Choices That Can Influence the Course of Eye Disease
Host: Ricky Enger
Guest: Dr. Sophie Bakri, Retinal Surgeon and Chair of Ophthalmology at Mayo Clinic
Release Date: October 23, 2025

Main Theme and Purpose

This episode explores the everyday lifestyle choices and habits that can positively influence the course of various eye diseases. Host Ricky Enger engages Dr. Sophie Bakri in a practical discussion designed to empower listeners with vision loss—or those at risk—with real-world, actionable recommendations beyond medical appointments and prescribed treatments.

Expert Introduction & Context ([00:53])

• Dr. Sophie Bakri shares her background as a retinal surgeon with two decades of experience, specializing in retinal diseases such as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and more.
• She emphasizes the significance of daily choices:

  “Preserving vision isn't only about treatments or surgeries. It's also about empowering patients to make daily choices that influence the course of their disease.” — Dr. Bakri [01:22]

Universal Lifestyle Habits for Eye Health

([02:03] – [04:11])

1. Do Not Smoke

• Smoking is a primary risk factor—doubles or triples risk for vision loss, particularly in macular degeneration and worsens diabetic eye diseases.
• Backed by studies such as the Beaver Dam Eye Study.
• Memorable quote:

  “The data here is indisputable. Don’t smoke. And also, you probably want to avoid secondhand smoke as well.” — Dr. Bakri [02:24]

2. Nutrient-Rich Diet

• Emphasize leafy greens, fish high in omega-3s (e.g., salmon), colorful fruits and vegetables, eggs, and nuts.
• Recommendation to embrace a Mediterranean diet—low in sugars and meats, high in beans, pulses, vegetables, and fish.
• Quote:

  “Eat the rainbow; the more colors, the better.” — Dr. Bakri [02:17]

3. Stay Physically Active

• Regular aerobic exercise aids blood flow, lowers blood pressure, and supports diabetes management, all beneficial for retinal health.
• Even those with mobility challenges can benefit from adapted activities like swimming or walking.

Eye Disease-Specific Guidance

Glaucoma ([04:47] – [05:38])

• Focus: Keep intraocular pressure low and maintain healthy blood flow to the optic nerve.
• Recommended Exercise: Moderate aerobic activity helps lower eye pressure over time.
• Cautions:
  • Avoid yoga inversions/headstands as they can temporarily raise eye pressure.
  • Limit high caffeine intake in a single sitting as it may raise eye pressure.
• Key reminder:

  “Think about the type of exercise you do if you have glaucoma.” — Dr. Bakri [05:12]

Diabetic Retinopathy ([05:38] – [07:30])

• Three priorities:
  1. Tight blood sugar control (A1C reduction, using continuous glucose monitors).
  2. Blood pressure management (home blood pressure cuffs recommended).
  3. Cholesterol management (diet, statins/drugs if needed).
• Mediterranean diet helps with cholesterol; some require medications for stubborn cholesterol/lipid levels.
• These factors work in partnership with primary care, not just eye specialists.

Macular Degeneration (MacD) ([07:30] – [11:31])

Supplements:

• For intermediate or advanced macular degeneration, the AREDS2 (Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2) vitamin formula is effective in slowing progression.
  • Key ingredients: vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, copper, lutein, and zeaxanthin.
  • Beta-carotene is excluded (due to increased lung cancer risk in smokers).
  • Effectiveness:

    “They slow down the disease…reduces progression by about 25% or so over five years. Doesn’t restore any lost vision, it’s only slowing it some.” — Dr. Bakri [09:35]

When to Start Supplements:

• Early macular degeneration (few Drusen): focus on a healthy diet and possibly a regular multivitamin; AREDS2 not shown to help at this stage.
• Notable advice:

  “For the earliest stages, I recommend just a multivitamin and healthy diet.” — Dr. Bakri [10:38]

Lifestyle as Prescription:

• Dr. Bakri frames diet choices as a “prescription” just as important as medication, highlighting the influence of daily habits:

  “It all starts when you first wake up in the morning. What is that choice that you're going to make right at the beginning?” — Dr. Bakri [11:07]

Importance of Credible Resources ([12:27] – [14:27])

• Trusted sources for further reading and patient materials:
  • American Society of Retina Specialists: patient leaflets, research.
  • National Eye Institute: resources and videos.
  • American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO): EyeSmart website.
  • Mayo Clinic: patient education, book authored by Dr. Bakri.
  • PubMed (www.pubmed.com): access original studies (AREDS2, DCCT trials).
• Cautionary advice:

  “You'll see a lot of videos out there claiming certain things. And I would just say you might want to be a little bit careful about where some of the stuff comes from.” — Dr. Bakri [14:16]

• Podcast show notes will link to these resources.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On healthy habits: “Eat the rainbow; the more colors, the better.” — Dr. Bakri [02:17]
• On the impact of supplements: “They slow down the disease…reduces progression by about 25% or so over five years. Doesn’t restore any lost vision, it’s only slowing it some.” — Dr. Bakri [09:35]
• On daily decisions: “It all starts when you first wake up in the morning. What is that choice that you're going to make right at the beginning?” — Dr. Bakri [11:07]
• On internet health information: “Definitely credible sites is what you want to look for…. Be a little bit careful about where some of the stuff comes from.” — Dr. Bakri [14:11]

Timestamps of Important Segments

• [00:53] – Dr. Bakri’s background and approach to patient empowerment
• [02:03] – Universal habits for eye health
• [04:47] – Specific advice for glaucoma management
• [05:38] – Strategies for diabetic retinopathy
• [07:30] – Supplements and lifestyle for macular degeneration
• [12:27] – Where to find credible resources
• [14:27] – Dr. Bakri’s closing remarks and resource summary

Tone & Final Reflections

The discussion is approachable, optimistic, and direct—aimed at demystifying the role of lifestyle in managing eye conditions. Dr. Bakri makes a compelling case that while consistent medical care is crucial, tangible improvements—and hope—can be found in everyday decisions. Host Ricky Enger warmly thanks Dr. Bakri and reinforces that listeners can use these practical insights to take charge of their eye health journey.

For full resource links and detailed handouts, see this episode’s show notes.