Podcast
The Eye-Q Podcast
Hosted by Dr. Rani Banik · EN
Join Dr Rani Banik, America's Integrative Neuro-Ophthalmologist, as she explores the brain-eye connection. Learn about the latest technologic advancements in vision and brain health, and discover how science intersects with a holistic approach based on nutrition and lifestyle. Raise your Eye-Q about all things eye and brain-related!
31episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
How Can Your Gut Affect Your Vision?
5d ago00:27:17Tap to summarizeWhat does your digestive system have to do with your eyes?In Episode 85 of The Eye-Q Podcast™, Dr. Rani Banik, MD, speaks with ophthalmologist and functional medicine practitioner Dr. Radka Toms, MD, about the emerging gut–eye axis—the complex relationship among the intestinal microbiome, immune system, metabolism, inflammation, and ocular health.They explore how an imbalance in the gut microbiome may influence inflammation throughout the body and why researchers are investigating potential connections with dry eye, rosacea, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration.You’ll also learn:• What gut dysbiosis means• Why intestinal barrier and immune health may matter to the eyes• How blood sugar and metabolic health affect vision• Why eye symptoms can sometimes reflect broader systemic issues• How fiber, plant diversity, and fermented foods support the microbiome• Why probiotics are not necessarily one-size-fits-all• How nutrition and lifestyle can complement—not replace—medical eye careDr. Toms also shares how her own health experience inspired her interest in food as medicine, functional medicine, and nutritional ophthalmology.Dr. Radka Toms is an ophthalmologist, functional medicine practitioner, and integrative nutrition health coach specializing in nutritional ophthalmology, metabolic health, and the gut–eye connection.Follow The Eye-Q Podcast™ for expert conversations about eye health, brain health, migraine, nutrition, healthy aging, and integrative medicine.This episode is for educational purposes only and does not constitute personalized medical advice. Research concerning the gut–eye axis is still evolving, and microbiome-focused treatments for eye disease remain investigational.
Transcribe →Still Thirsty? How to Hydrate Better With Dr. Dana Cohen
2w ago00:28:25Tap to summarizeDo you really need eight glasses of water every day? And why do some people still feel thirsty even when they drink water constantly?In Episode 84 of The Eye-Q Podcast™, Dr. Rani Banik speaks with integrative medicine physician and hydration expert Dr. Dana Cohen about how to hydrate more effectively—and why hydration needs are different for every person.Dr. Cohen discusses:• Why drinking more plain water is not always the full answer• Her three foundational habits for better hydration• Why she recommends front-loading water in the morning• How hydrating foods, fiber, and electrolytes may help your body retain fluid• The benefits of blended green smoothies• Why chia and flax seeds can be useful smoothie additions• How urine frequency and color may offer hydration clues• Why completely clear urine may signal excessive water intake• How hydration may relate to dry eye, headache, and migraine• Whether coffee and tea count toward your daily fluid intakeDr. Cohen also explains the proposed concept of structured or “gel” water and why eating water-rich plants may be an important part of a hydration strategy.ABOUT MY GUESTDr. Dana Cohen is an internal medicine physician who has practiced integrative medicine in New York City since 1998. Early in her career, she worked alongside Dr. Robert Atkins and developed a clinical approach centered on nutrition, lifestyle, and individualized care. She is the coauthor of Quench and the author of Fuel Up, which explores using blended whole foods to reduce ultra-processed foods and improve nutrition.Website: www.drdanacohen.comInstagram: drdanacohenSubscribe to The Eye-Q Podcast™ for evidence-informed conversations about eye health, brain health, nutrition, migraine, healthy aging, and integrative medicine.Please like this episode, share it with someone who struggles to stay hydrated, and leave your hydration questions in the comments.**NOTE: This episode is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for individualized medical care. Fluid and electrolyte needs vary. Consult your healthcare professional before significantly changing your intake, particularly if you have kidney, heart, blood pressure, or electrolyte-related conditions.#Hydration #Dehydration #Electrolytes #EyeHealth #DrDanaCohen
Transcribe →Episode 83: Eye Bags, Botox and Fillers: What Actually Works? With Dr. Flora Levin
3w ago00:37:04Tap to summarizeWhat really causes under-eye bags, hooded eyelids, and a tired-looking appearance—and which treatments actually address the underlying problem?In Episode 83 of The Eye-Q Podcast™, Dr. Rani Banik speaks with oculoplastic surgeon Dr. Flora Levin about the anatomy of aging around the eyes and the differences among Botox, Dysport, fillers, laser treatments, skincare and eyelid surgery.Dr. Levin explains why the brows, eyelids, fat pads, muscles and facial bones must be evaluated together. She also discusses why under-eye filler is not appropriate for everyone, why some fillers may remain in the tissues much longer than patients expect, and when surgery may create a more natural result than repeated injections.You’ll learn:• What causes upper-eyelid hooding and under-eye bags• When Botox or Dysport may help• When filler may make puffiness or heaviness worse• How to evaluate a provider’s aesthetic judgment• Why technical skill alone does not guarantee a natural result• When blepharoplasty may be worth considering• Which preventive strategies matter in your 20s, 30s, 40s and beyondDr. Levin also shares one of the episode’s most memorable insights:“Skill can be learned. Taste, not so much.”About My GuestDr. Flora Levin is a board-certified ophthalmologist and fellowship-trained oculoplastic surgeon specializing in cosmetic and reconstructive treatments of the eyelids and surrounding facial structures. Her expertise includes blepharoplasty, ptosis repair, brow rejuvenation, Botox, fillers, and other surgical and non-surgical procedures designed to create natural, balanced results. In this episode, she explains what really causes aging around the eyes, when injectables may help, and when surgery may be the better option.Follow Dr Levin on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/floralevinmd/Follow The Eye-Q Podcast™ for expert conversations about eye health, healthy aging, brain health, migraine, nutrition and vision longevity.*This episode is intended for education only and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice or treatment.
Transcribe →Episode 82: Why These Centenarians Don't Develop Macular Degeneration
4w ago00:29:58Tap to summarizeIn 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 bodyThis 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
Transcribe →Episode 81: Eye Trauma: How to Protect Your Vision Before It's Too Late
Jul 1200:27:15Tap to summarizeA 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 injuriesWhether 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.
Transcribe →Episode 080: Living Blind: Independence, Advocacy & Thriving with Vision Loss
Jul 300:24:40Tap to summarizeWhat 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 blindnessAbout My GuestMilica 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🛍 Shop: https://shop.rudranibanikmd.com📸 Instagram: 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
Transcribe →Episode 079: Eye on Eye Stroke: New Treatment for Central Retinal Artery Occlusion
Jun 2700:27:56Tap to summarizeCan 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 hydrationIf 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 GuestGareth 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
Transcribe →Episode 078 Eye on the Corneal Abrasions, Ulcers & Keratoconus
Jun 2000:28:14Tap to summarizeWhat 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 GuestDr. 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.
Transcribe →Episode 077: Can Autoimmune Disease Affect Your Eyes? Understanding Uveitis with Deep Parikh, MD
Jun 1200:32:47Tap to summarizeCan 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 visionIf 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 GuestDeep 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.Chapters00:00 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 thoughtsConnect with Dr. Deep ParikhInstagram: @drdeepparikhConnect with Dr. Rani BanikWebsite: https://www.drranibanik.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.ranibanikYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrRaniBanikShop: https://shop.rudranibanikmd.com
Transcribe →Episode 076 Could Vision Loss Be the First Sign of MS? Lyme, Optic Neuritis & Brain Inflammation
Jun 600:21:38Tap to summarizeCould 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 MSThis 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, FMAPSWebsite: https://dariningelsnd.comDisclaimer: 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.
Transcribe →