Dr. Amanda Horton, board-certified OBGYN and maternal fetal medicine specialist,  joins Dr. Rupa Wong to discuss the surprising ways pregnancy can affect your vision. From shifting hormones to warning signs of more serious conditions, they break down what’s normal, what’s not, and how to protect your eye health during this transformative time. It’s an eye-opening conversation every expectant mother—and those who care for them—should hear.

Key Topics:

1. Hormonal Shifts and Eye Health

- Pregnancy Hormone Dynamics

- Vision Prescription Changes

- Contact Lens and LASIK Considerations

2. Preeclampsia: Silent but Serious

- Warning Signs and Symptoms

- Postpartum Risks

- Long-Term Health Implications

3. Gestational Diabetes and Ocular Impact

- Blood Sugar and Vision Connections

- Screening and Detection

- Metabolic Health Monitoring

4. Managing Chronic Conditions During Pregnancy

- Autoimmune Disease Interactions

- Specialist Collaboration

- Proactive Health Planning

Follow Dr. Amanda Horton on Instagram @amandahortonmd

Want to receive my newsletter? Join our community of health-conscious parents and all-around eye enthusiasts! https://www.drrupawong.com/sign-up

If you haven’t already, please rate, review, and follow the podcast to be notified of new episodes every Wednesday. Plus, be sure to follow along on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠@drrupawong,⁠⁠⁠⁠ check out Rupa’s YouTube channel Dr. Rupa Wong⁠⁠⁠⁠, and if you're interested in becoming a patient, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠Honolulu Eye Clinic.

Join the Learn at Pinnacle app ⁠to earn FREE CE Credit for listening to this episode!

This episode is brought to you by ⁠The Pinnacle Podcast Network⁠! Learn more about Pinnacle at ⁠learnatpinnacle.com

Dr. Rupa Wong, a pediatric ophthalmologist, breaks down Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP). She explains how ROP develops, how it’s detected with specialized eye exams, and the latest treatment options. Dr. Wong also shares what parents need to know: the importance of follow-up care, what questions to ask their medical team, and how early detection can help preserve a child’s vision for life. 

Key Topics

1. Understanding Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP)

-Definition of ROP

-Why premature babies are at risk

-Impact of oxygen levels on ROP progression

2. NICU Eye Exam Basics

-Who gets screened

-Examination process

-What doctors look for during the exam

3. Treatment Options

-Laser treatment

-Anti-VEGF injections

-Pros and cons of each approach

4. Parental Guidance

-Important questions to ask doctors

-Long-term vision implications

-Emotional support for parents

Want to receive my newsletter? Join our community of health-conscious parents and all-around eye enthusiasts! https://www.drrupawong.com/sign-up

If you haven’t already, please rate, review, and follow the podcast to be notified of new episodes every Wednesday. Plus, be sure to follow along on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠@drrupawong,⁠⁠⁠⁠ check out Rupa’s YouTube channel Dr. Rupa Wong⁠⁠⁠⁠, and if you're interested in becoming a patient, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠Honolulu Eye Clinic.

Join the Learn at Pinnacle app ⁠to earn FREE CE Credit for listening to this episode!

This episode is brought to you by ⁠The Pinnacle Podcast Network⁠! Learn more about Pinnacle at ⁠learnatpinnacle.com

Dr. Rupa Wong sits down with Kathryn Whitaker, SiriusXM Radio Host, Podcaster & NICU Mom, to unpack the emotional, medical, and personal journey of navigating a premature birth. Katherine shares her raw, inspiring story of her son’s 14-week NICU stay, offering insights, hope, and practical advice for families facing similar challenges.

Key Topics:

1. NICU Survival

-Emotional challenges of having a premature baby

-Importance of asking for help and accepting support

-Navigating medical complexities and multiple specialists

2.Parental Advocacy

-Learning to communicate with medical teams

-Asking the right questions

-Understanding your role in your child's care

3. Personal Growth

-Transforming trauma into purpose

-Finding strength through vulnerability

-The long-term impact of the NICU experience

4. Medical Insights

-Retinopathy of prematurity

-Navigating multiple medical interventions

-The importance of family-centered care

Follow Kathryn on Instagram @kathrynwhitakertx

Go to Kathryn’s website where you can learn more about her journey and check out her book, Live Big, Love Bigger. https://kathrynwhitaker.net/

Learn more about Hand To Hold https://handtohold.org/

Want to receive my newsletter? Join our community of health-conscious parents, and all-around eye enthusiasts! https://www.drrupawong.com/sign-up

If you haven’t already, please rate, review, and follow the podcast to be notified of new episodes every Wednesday. Plus, be sure to follow along on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠@drrupawong,⁠⁠⁠⁠ check out Rupa’s YouTube channel Dr. Rupa Wong⁠⁠⁠⁠, and if you're interested in becoming a patient, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠Honolulu Eye Clinic.

Join the Learn at Pinnacle app ⁠to earn FREE CE Credit for listening to this episode!

This episode is brought to you by ⁠The Pinnacle Podcast Network⁠! Learn more about Pinnacle at ⁠learnatpinnacle.com

Dr. Rupa Wong explores the fascinating world of infant vision development. She breaks down how babies see the world, explaining visual milestones from birth to one year and providing parents with crucial insights into when and how to assess their child's eye health.

Key Topics:

1. Vision Development Stages

-Progression from 20/800 to 20/30 vision

-Color and depth perception milestones

-Tracking and eye movement development

2. Pediatric Vision Screening

-Pediatrician's role in initial eye checks

-Photo screener technology

-Red reflex and pupil response assessment

3.Glasses and Prescription Needs

-Types of vision issues (hyperopia, astigmatism)

-When babies might need corrective lenses

-Importance of early vision correction

4.Red Flags for Vision Problems

-Eyes that deviate or cross

-Excessive squinting

-Not tracking faces or objects

-Unusual eye appearance in photos

5.Professional Eye Examination

-When to schedule first eye exam

-Genetic factors influencing vision

-Retinoscopy and prescription assessment techniques

Want to receive my newsletter? Join our community of health-conscious parents, and all-around eye enthusiasts! https://www.drrupawong.com/sign-up

If you haven’t already, please rate, review, and follow the podcast to be notified of new episodes every Wednesday. Plus, be sure to follow along on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠@drrupawong,⁠⁠⁠⁠ check out Rupa’s YouTube channel Dr. Rupa Wong⁠⁠⁠⁠, and if you're interested in becoming a patient, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠Honolulu Eye Clinic.

Join the Learn at Pinnacle app ⁠to earn FREE CE Credit for listening to this episode!

This episode is brought to you by ⁠The Pinnacle Podcast Network⁠! Learn more about Pinnacle at ⁠learnatpinnacle.com

Dr. Rupa Wong, board certified pediatric ophthalmologist and adult strabismus surgeon, demystifies the critical world of children's vision health. She provides parents with essential insights into nearsightedness, screen time impacts, and practical strategies to protect their children's eyesight. Drawing from scientific research and personal experience, Dr. Wong offers an empowering guide to understanding and preventing vision problems in the digital age.

Key Topics Covered:

1. Nearsightedness Explained

-Definition of myopia

-Vision-threatening complications

-Increasing prevalence among children

2. Screen Time and Vision

-Research linking screen time to nearsightedness

-Risk increases with more screen hours

-Recommended screen time limits by age group

3. Prevention Strategies

-Importance of outdoor time

-Reducing near work activities

-Treatment options like low-dose atropine drops

- Special contact lenses and glasses

Want to receive my newsletter? Join our community of health-conscious parents, and all-around eye enthusiasts! https://www.drrupawong.com/sign-up

If you haven’t already, please rate, review, and follow the podcast to be notified of new episodes every Wednesday. Plus, be sure to follow along on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠@drrupawong,⁠⁠⁠⁠ check out Rupa’s YouTube channel Dr. Rupa Wong⁠⁠⁠⁠, and if you're interested in becoming a patient, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠Honolulu Eye Clinic.

Join the Learn at Pinnacle app ⁠to earn FREE CE Credit for listening to this episode!

This episode is brought to you by ⁠The Pinnacle Podcast Network⁠! Learn more about Pinnacle at ⁠learnatpinnacle.com

Welcome to In Focus: Vision, Clarity, and Eye Health for the Family. We are excited to share Season 2 of the podcast launching June 25th!

If you haven't already, please rate, review, and follow the podcast to be notified of new episodes every Wednesday. Plus be sure to follow along on Instagram ⁠@drrupawong, check out Rupa's YouTube Channel, Dr. Rupa Wong and if you are interested in becoming a patient, check out Honolulu Eye Clinic

In Focus is part of the Pinnacle Podcast network. ⁠Learn more here!⁠

Want free CE Credit? ⁠Join the Learn at Pinnacle App

Episode Summary

Have you ever noticed tiny specks, squiggles, or cobweb-like shadows drifting across your vision? Do they move when you try to focus on them? Are they just annoying, or could they be a sign of something serious?

In this episode, Dr. Rupa Wong breaks down everything you need to know about eye floaters, including:

✅ What floaters actually are (hint: they’re not dust or dead cells floating in your eye)

✅ What happens to your vitreous gel as you age—and why it leads to floaters

✅ The different types of floaters (Weiss rings, collagen strands, hemorrhagic floaters)

✅ When to worry – warning signs that mean you should see an eye doctor ASAP

✅ Real medical treatments that work, including:

• YAG laser vitreolysis – can you actually zap away floaters?

• Vitrectomy – the only cure, but is it worth the risks?

✅ What doesn’t work – debunking viral home remedies like castor oil & eye drops

✅ The pineapple connection – is there any truth to the idea that bromelain in pineapple helps dissolve floaters?

If you’ve ever been frustrated by floaters or wondered what can be done about them, this episode is for you!

ources & Links

📄 Scientific Studies on YAG Laser for Floaters:

• JAMA Ophthalmology Study (2017)

• Trials Journal Study (2024)

• Cochrane Review on Floaters & YAG Laser

🍍 Pineapple & Floaters Research:

• Taiwanese Study on Bromelain & Floaters (2019)

• Enzyme Supplement Study (2020)

🎥 Watch My YouTube Video on Floaters & Pineapple:

Eye Floaters No More? – Pineapple Treatment – Effective or Not

Stay Connected!

📩 Have a question about your eyes? Submit your questions for a future Q&A episode!

💬 Follow Dr. Rupa Wong on Instagram: @drrupawong

🌍 Visit the Website: www.drrupawong.com

🎧 Loved this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, rate & review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! Your support helps us reach more people with important eye health information

Episode Summary: Do you really need sunglasses in the snow? What about on cloudy days? In today’s episode, Dr. Rupa Wong, ophthalmologist, is sharing why sunglasses are a must in winter—yes, even when the skies are overcast. Snow reflects up to 80% of UV rays, which can double your UV exposure and increase your risk of serious eye damage.

Dr. Wong explains what snow blindness is, why kids’ eyes are more vulnerable than adults, and how to choose the best sunglasses or goggles for your family during winter adventures. She’ll also share surprising statistics, like how 80% of lifetime UV damage occurs before age 18, and discuss how proper eye protection can prevent long-term issues like cataracts, macular degeneration, and even skin cancer around the eyes.

Whether you’re skiing, hiking, or just building a snowman in the backyard, this episode will give you practical tips to protect your vision during the snowy season.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why snow and UV rays are a dangerous combination and why sunglasses are essential—even on cloudy days.
• What snow blindness (photokeratitis) is, how it happens, and how to prevent it.
• Why children’s eyes are at a higher risk for UV damage than adults and how to keep them safe.
• How to choose the right sunglasses or goggles, including lens technology, frame styles, and tints.
• Eye health stats, including:
  • 80% of lifetime UV damage happens before age 18.
  • Snow reflects 80% of UV rays, compared to sand (15%) and water (10%).
  • Nearly 10% of all skin cancers occur around the eyes.

Key Takeaways:

1. Sunglasses aren’t just for summer: Snow doubles your UV exposure, making sunglasses or goggles essential for everyone—adults and kids alike.
2. Kids are especially vulnerable: Dr. Wong explains how children’s thinner lenses and larger pupils allow more UV rays to reach the retina, increasing their risk of long-term damage.
3. Snow blindness is preventable: High-quality sunglasses or goggles with 100% UV protection are your first line of defense.
4. Choosing the right sunglasses:
   • Polarized lenses to reduce glare.
   • Amber or yellow tints for better visibility on cloudy days.
   • Wraparound frames or goggles for full protection from all angles.
5. Long-term benefits: Protecting your eyes today reduces your risk of cataracts, macular degeneration, and pterygium later in life.

Resources and References Mentioned:

• American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO): Information on UV protection and eye health.
• World Health Organization (WHO): Statistics on UV exposure and the dangers of snow reflection.
• The Skin Cancer Foundation: Research on skin cancer prevention around the eyes.

Products Dr. Rupa Wong Recommends:

• Kids’ Sunglasses: Real Shades and Julbo offer UV-protective, durable options for children.
• Adult Sunglasses: Maui Jim, Oakley, and Smith Optics combine style with full UV protection.
• Goggles for Winter Sports: Smith Optics and Oakley goggles with anti-fog and UV-blocking technology.

Let’s Connect! Dr. Rupa Wong would love to hear how you’re protecting your eyes this winter! Share your snowy adventures and favorite sunglasses:

• Instagram: @drrupawong

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with friends and family—it helps others find the podcast and learn how to keep their eyes healthy!

Episode Title: How Much Screen Time Should Your Baby Have?

Episode Description:

Is screen time harmful for babies? What does the science really say? In this episode of It’s Good to See You: Eye Health, Vision Care & More, Dr. Rupa Wong breaks down the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommendations, dives into fascinating studies on how screens affect the developing brain, and explores the often-overlooked issue of secondhand screen exposure. You’ll learn:• What the AAP and the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (AAPOS) recommend for screen time.

The latest research, including EEG studies on the impact of screens on babies’ brains.

 How secondhand screen time—like background TV—affects your child’s development.

 Practical, actionable tips to create healthy screen habits for your family.

Whether you’re a first-time parent or just trying to navigate screens in a tech-heavy world, this episode is packed with science-backed insights and advice you can trust.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

1. The Guidelines: AAP and AAPOS recommendations for screen time by age group and why they matter.

2. The Research: The surprising findings from EEG studies on how screen exposure affects neural development, attention spans, and sleep cycles.

3. Secondhand Screen Time: Why background media might be more harmful than you think and how it impacts language acquisition and play.

4. Long-Term Impacts: How excessive screen time can lead to attention difficulties, language delays, and even physical health issues like disrupted sleep and obesity.

5. Practical Tips: Simple strategies to balance screen time with real-world activities and create a screen-free environment that fosters development.

Key Takeaways:

• The AAP recommends no screen time for children under 18 months, except for video chatting, and no more than 1 hour per day for ages 2-5, focusing on high-quality content with caregiver co-viewing.

• EEG studies show that screen exposure in babies can impact brain areas responsible for language, executive function, and emotional regulation.

• Secondhand screen time, such as background TV, reduces caregiver interaction and engagement, which is crucial for language and social skills.• Balanced screen use and intentional, interactive activities are key to healthy development.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• AAP Screen Time Recommendations

• AAPOS Guidelines on Screen Time

• Study on Background Media and Language Development

• JAMA Pediatrics Study on Long-Term Effects of Screen Time

Connect With Me:

• Website: www.drrupawong.com

• Instagram: @drrupawong• Podcast: It’s Good to See You

Join the Conversation:

Have questions about screen time or tips to share? Leave me a voicemail, and I’ll include it in a future episode!

In this episode of It’s Good to See You: Eye Health, Vision Care & More, Dr. Rupa Wong tackles the most frequently asked questions about amblyopia (lazy eye) and its treatments. Whether you’re a parent trying to keep your toddler engaged during patch time, or curious about the latest alternatives like virtual reality, this episode is packed with evidence-backed answers to help you feel confident in your child’s care.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why amblyopia can recur after treatment and how to prevent it.
• Signs that patching is working for your child.
• Tips to make patching easier for kids who resist it.
• The role of atropine eye drops and other alternatives to patching.
• Whether amblyopia treatment is effective for older children and adults.
• How to avoid complications, like reverse amblyopia, with proper monitoring.

  Have a Question for the Podcast?

  📞 Call and leave a message at (818) 643-7158‬ to have your question featured on the podcast!

  💬 Submit questions on Instagram every Thursday in the Q&A box posted on @drrupawong.

Connect with Dr. Rupa Wong:

• Website: Honolulu Eye Clinic

Subscribe & Review: If you loved this episode, please subscribe and leave a review! Your support helps us bring more helpful content to listeners like you.