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

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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.

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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.

Have you ever wondered why your eyelid twitches? Is it from too much caffeine, stress, or something more serious? In this episode of It’s Good to See You, Dr. Rupa Wong breaks down the mystery behind eye twitching, also known as myokymia.

We’ll explore:

• What an eye twitch actually is and how it differs from more serious conditions like blepharospasm.
• The top causes of eye twitching, including stress, fatigue, caffeine, and dry eyes.
• Red flags that might indicate a more serious condition requiring medical attention.
• Practical tips to stop eye twitches and prevent them in the future.

Whether you’re dealing with an annoying flutter or curious about how to keep your eyes healthy, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you feel confident about your vision health.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Introduction: Why do eye twitches happen, and when should you worry?
• What is myokymia, and how does it differ from blepharospasm?
• The most common causes of eye twitching—and how to address them.
• Red flags: When is an eye twitch more than just a nuisance?
• Simple fixes and prevention tips for managing and avoiding eye twitches.
• Final thoughts and a quick recap.

Resources & References:

• Study on stress and muscle irritability: Journal of Behavioral Medicine

Connect with Dr. Rupa Wong:

• Website: www.drrupawong.com

Enjoyed the episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and continue creating content to empower you to care for your eyes and overall health!

🎄 Episode Highlights: The holidays are all about fun, family, and festive activities—but they can also bring hidden risks for your eyes. In this episode of It’s Good to See You: Eye Health, Vision Care & More, Dr. Rupa Wong shares surprising ways the holidays can lead to eye injuries and what you can do to prevent them. From popular toys and sports to sparklers and cooking, learn how to keep your loved ones safe while celebrating.

👁️ What You'll Learn:

• The hidden dangers of popular holiday toys like drones and Nerf guns.
• How to prevent sports-related eye injuries during family games.
• Why holiday decorations, tree sap, and LED lights can irritate your eyes.
• Essential safety tips for champagne corks, sparklers, and hot oil splashes in the kitchen.
• A quick holiday eye safety checklist for stress-free celebrations.

💡 Did You Know?

• Over 40,000 sports-related eye injuries are treated in ERs each year.
• Champagne corks can launch at speeds up to 50 mph, causing serious eye trauma.
• Sparklers burn at over 1,200°F, hotter than molten glass!

🎧 Tune in now to make this holiday season safe and injury-free for your family.

📲 Connect with Dr. Rupa Wong: Instagram: @drrupawong Website: drrupawong.com

• The Perfect Age To Have Children In Medicine - NOPE! There is none. But Dr. Wong shares when she had children, the timing during her career and her age

• When and How To Get Involved With Side Projects
• Her Actual Work Schedule And Amount Of Time With Kids

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• What are migraines? Why they’re so much more than just a headache and how they impact your visual system.
• Migraine aura explained: The fascinating neurological event behind zigzag patterns, blind spots, and flashes of light—and why they happen even without a headache.
• Ocular migraines vs. retinal migraines: What’s the difference, and how do you know when to worry?
• The connection between migraines and eye pain: Why migraines feel like “an ice pick in your eye” and the role of the trigeminal nerve.
• Dry eye and migraines: Surprising links between these two conditions and how treating dry eye may offer relief.

Key Takeaways:

• Ocular migraines often refer to visual disturbances like aura and typically aren’t dangerous, but retinal migraines—affecting vision in only one eye—can signal a more serious issue.
• Eye pain during migraines is tied to the trigeminal nerve, which connects your brain, eyes, and surrounding structures.
• Keeping a migraine diary can help identify triggers like certain foods, dehydration, or bright lights.
• Managing migraines includes lifestyle changes, blue-blocking lenses, and in some cases, medical treatments.

When to Seek Medical Attention:

• Vision loss or changes in only one eye.
• Sudden or severe headaches that feel like a "thunderclap."
• Persistent symptoms that don’t resolve after an hour.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• Blue-blocking glasses for light sensitivity
• Artificial tears for dry eye management

Join the Conversation: Have a question or a topic you’d like covered in future episodes? Send me a message or connect on social media!

Follow Me:

• Instagram: @drrupawong

Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to share this episode with someone who could benefit from learning more about migraines and eye health. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a review—it helps more listeners find the show!

Until next time, take care of those eyes