In Focus

In this episode, Dr. Rupa Wong breaks down the best foods for your eye health, exploring beyond the common myth that carrots are the ultimate eye superfood. While carrots have their benefits, Dr. Wong uncovers the powerhouse nutrients that truly protect your vision and prevent age-related eye conditions like macular degeneration, cataracts, and dry eye. Backed by evidence from peer-reviewed studies, she covers five key nutrients—lutein, zeaxanthin, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids, and zinc—and discusses how these nutrients work to protect your eyes, along with the best natural food sources to incorporate into your diet.

Get ready to discover how what you eat can have a big impact on your vision health!

Key Topics Covered:

1. Debunking the Carrot Myth
   • The origin of the idea that carrots improve eyesight (WWII pilots and British propaganda).
   • The truth about carrots and their beta-carotene content for eye health.
2. Lutein and Zeaxanthin – Protecting the Macula
   • Role of these antioxidants in reducing the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
   • Food sources: green leafy vegetables (spinach, kale), broccoli, eggs.
   • Research highlights: AREDS2 study, British Journal of Nutrition meta-analysis.
3. Vitamin C – The Eye’s Defense Mechanism
   • How Vitamin C protects against cataracts and supports the health of your cornea and retina.
   • Food sources: citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, grapefruits), bell peppers, broccoli.
   • Research highlights: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition long-term study on cataract prevention, AREDS study for AMD.
4. Vitamin E – The Cell Protector
   • Role of Vitamin E in preventing oxidative damage in the retina and lens.
   • Food sources: almonds, sunflower seeds, avocados, spinach.
   • Research highlights: Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
5. Omega-3 Fatty Acids – Essential for Tear Film and Retina Health
   • The impact of DHA and EPA on dry eye disease and retinal health.
   • Food sources: cold-water fish (salmon, tuna, sardines), flaxseeds, walnuts.
   • Research highlights: Dry Eye Assessment and Management (DREAM) Study, Cornea study on tear film.
6. Zinc – The Light Protector
   • Zinc’s role in protecting your retina from light damage and supporting night vision.
   • Food sources: oysters, lean red meat, legumes, pumpkin seeds.
   • Research highlights: AREDS study on zinc’s role in AMD prevention, Progress in Retinal and Eye Researchon zinc’s role in photoreceptor health.

Key Takeaways:

• While carrots are beneficial, they are not the most powerful food for eye health.
• Nutrients like lutein, zeaxanthin, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, omega-3s, and zinc are critical for protecting your eyes from conditions like AMD, cataracts, and dry eye.
• A balanced diet that includes leafy greens, citrus fruits, nuts, seeds, and cold-water fish can provide the nutrients your eyes need to stay healthy.
• Backed by research, incorporating these nutrients into your diet can help prevent age-related vision problems.

• Instagram: @drrupawong

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Resources & Research Cited:

Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS), Archives of Ophthalmology (2001).

Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 (AREDS2), JAMA (2013).

Christen, W. G., et al., “Dietary Antioxidants and Cataract Risk in Women: A 10-year Study,” The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2016).

Christen, W. G., et al., “Zinc and Age-Related Cataract Risk in Women,” The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition(2016).

Evans, J. R., “Antioxidant vitamin supplementation for preventing and slowing the progression of age-related macular degeneration,” Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (2017).

Johnson, E. J., et al., “Egg yolk as a highly bioavailable source of lutein and zeaxanthin,” The Journal of Nutrition(2004).

Ma, L. et al., “Higher intake of Lutein and Zeaxanthin associated with lower risk of AMD: Meta-analysis,” British Journal of Nutrition (2018).

Zeaxanthin and Visual Function Study (ZVF), Optometry and Vision Science (2011).

Stringham, J. M., et al., “Dietary Lutein and Zeaxanthin and Their Effects on Visual Performance,” Nutrients (2017).

Johnson, E. J., et al., "Dietary Intake of Omega-3 Fatty Acids and the Risk of Dry Eye Syndrome," The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2015).

Dry Eye Assessment and Management (DREAM) Study, The New England Journal of Medicine (2018).

Taylor, A., et al., “Nutritional Antioxidants and the Risk of Age-Related Cataract,” The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2002).

Ophthalmic Research (2019), “Vitamin C and Its Role in Aqueous Humor Antioxidant Defense.”

Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science (2000), “The Role of Oxidative Stress in Age-Related Macular Degeneration.”

Progress in Retinal and Eye Research (2010), "The Role of Zinc in Retinal Function and Photoreceptor Health."

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Show Notes: Episode Title

“The Ultimate Guide to Myopia Management for Kids: Atropine, Misight, Ortho-K & Stellest Glasses Explained”

Episode Summary:

In this episode of It’s Good to See You, Dr. Rupa Wong dives deep into the world of myopia management for kids. With the rising prevalence of myopia, or nearsightedness, it’s more important than ever for parents to understand how they can help slow down its progression in their children. Dr. Wong explains the science behind myopia, including Dr. Earl Smith’s theory of hyperopic defocus, and why addressing this early can protect your child’s vision for the long term. She also explores four effective myopia management treatments — low-dose atropine, MiSight contact lenses, orthokeratology (Ortho-K), and special spectacle lenses like Stellest and Miyosmart glasses. If your child struggles to see clearly or you’ve noticed them squinting at the board, this episode will provide valuable insights and actionable advice.

Key Takeaways:

1. What is Myopia?

• Myopia, or nearsightedness, is when the eye can see objects up close but has trouble seeing objects at a distance.

• It’s becoming more prevalent worldwide, with projections that half the global population could be myopic by 2050

2. Why Myopia Management Matters:

• Dr. Earl Smith’s theory of hyperopic defocus explains how peripheral blur signals the eye to grow longer, leading to worsening myopia.

• Managing myopia early on can prevent severe complications later in life, including retinal detachment, glaucoma, cataracts, and myopic macular degeneration.

3. Treatment Options Explained:

• Low-Dose Atropine Eye Drops: Reduces the rate of myopia progression with minimal side effects. Studies show it can slow progression by up to 50%.

• MiSight Contact Lenses: The first FDA-approved contacts for myopia control, with concentric rings that slow down eye growth. Effective, easy to use, and safe for children as young as 6.

• Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): Overnight rigid lenses that reshape the cornea, allowing clear vision during the day. Studies show it reduces eye elongation by about 45-50%.

• Stellest & Miyosmart Glasses: Special lenses designed to slow myopia progression using a myopic defocus effect. Great option for younger children or those who aren’t ready for contacts

4. Choosing the Right Option for Your Child:

• The best treatment depends on several factors, including your child’s age, lifestyle, and how quickly their myopia is progressing.

• Dr. Wong encourages parents to seek an eye exam early to discuss the most suitable options for their child.

Quotes from the Episode:

• “High myopia isn’t just about thicker glasses; it’s about protecting your child’s eye health for the future.”

• “Understanding hyperopic defocus helps us know why regular glasses alone aren’t enough to slow myopia progression.”

• “The sooner we start myopia management, the more effective these treatments can be.”

If you found this episode helpful, please share it with another parent who might be concerned about their child’s vision. Make sure to subscribe to It’s Good to See You for more insights on eye health, vision care, and more. Follow Dr. Rupa Wong on Instagram at @drrupawong for tips and articles on myopia management, or visit her website to learn more.

Resources & References:

• Chia, A., Lu, Q. S., Tan, D. (2016). Atropine for the Treatment of Childhood Myopia: Safety and Efficacy of 0.5%, 0.1%, and 0.01% Doses (Atropine for the Treatment of Myopia 2). Ophthalmology.

• Chamberlain, P., Peixoto-de-Matos, S. C., Logan, N. S., Ngo, C., Jones, D., Young, G. (2019). A 3-year Randomized Clinical Trial of MiSight Lenses for Myopia Control. Journal of AAPOS.

• Cho, P., Cheung, S. W., Edwards, M. (2015). The Long-term Effect of Overnight Orthokeratology on Myopia Progression: A 5-Year Study. Ophthalmology.

• Lam, C. S. Y., Tang, W. C., Tse, D. Y., Lee, R. P., Chun, R. K., Hasegawa, K., Qi, H., Hatanaka, T., To, C. H. (2020). Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments (DIMS) Spectacle Lenses Slow Myopia Progression. Journal of AAPOS.

• Ohno-Matsui, K., et al. (2016). International Classification of Myopic Maculopathy. Ophthalmology.

Follow & Subscribe:

• Instagram: @drrupawong

• Website: drrupawong.com

• Podcast: It’s Good to See You

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In this episode of "It’s Good to See You", Dr. Rupa Wong dives deep into the world of lash serums. Are they really effective? What’s the science behind them? As an ophthalmologist, Dr. Wong breaks down the most popular lash serums, explains how they work, and discusses the potential risks associated with certain ingredients like prostaglandin analogs. If you’ve been wondering which lash serums are worth using and what to avoid when shopping for lash enhancers, this episode is for you!

Key Topics:

• Lash Serums: Do They Work? Dr. Wong explains how lash serums work by extending the growth phase of your eyelashes and which products offer real results. She covers the difference between conditioning serums and those that actually stimulate lash growth.
• The Science Behind Prostaglandin Analogs Learn how prostaglandin analogs (like the active ingredient in Latisse) work by prolonging the anagen phase of lash growth, leading to longer, fuller lashes. Dr. Wong discusses the pros and cons of using prostaglandin-based lash serums, including side effects like eye color changes and skin pigmentation.
• What Ingredients Should You Look For? Dr. Wong outlines safe ingredients in lash serums, such as peptides, biotin, and panthenol, which can strengthen and condition lashes without the risks associated with prostaglandin analogs.
• What to Avoid in Lash Serums Be aware of ingredients like isopropyl cloprostenate (a synthetic prostaglandin analog), essential oils, and harsh preservatives. Dr. Wong emphasizes why it's important to choose products wisely and avoid irritation or allergic reactions.
• Recommended Lash Serums Looking for safe and effective lash serums? Dr. Wong offers her expert recommendations, from FDA-approved Latisse to other ophthalmologist-approved options like Revitalash and natural alternatives like Vegamour.

Brands Mentioned:

• Latisse
• GrandeLASH-MD
• Revitalash
• Rodan + Fields Lash Boost
• Try Twenty Twenty
• Olaplex
• Ordinary Lash Serum

Key Takeaways:

• Not all lash serums are created equal, and some come with significant risks.
• Prostaglandin analogs work, but they can cause side effects like darkening of the iris or unwanted hair growth.
• If you want safer, non-prescription options, look for serums with peptides, biotin, and other conditioning ingredients.

Resources:

If you enjoyed this episode:

• Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast platform.
• Share this episode with friends or anyone curious about lash serums!

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In this informative Q&A episode of It’s Good to See You, Dr. Rupa Wong addresses some of the most frequently asked questions about amblyopia, one of the most common childhood eye conditions. Dr. Wong dives deep into the causes, treatment options, and prognosis for individuals diagnosed at different stages of life.

Questions Answered in This Episode:

1. I have amblyopia, but my husband does not. How likely is it that our children will have it?
   • Dr. Wong discusses the genetic factors involved and the likelihood of children developing amblyopia when one parent has the condition.
2. Does patching the eye help? How old is too old to patch?
   • Dr. Wong explains the effectiveness of patching, the best age for patching treatment, and whether it is useful for older children or teens.
3. For amblyopia found in the teen years, can surgery be done later in life (30’s) to fix it?
   • Dr. Wong explores treatment options available for adults with amblyopia, including the challenges of late diagnosis and management.

Key Topics Covered:

• The 3 Causes of Amblyopia:
• Refractive Amblyopia – Occurs due to unequal refractive errors between the eyes.
• Strabismic Amblyopia – Develops when the eyes are misaligned.
• Deprivational Amblyopia – Caused by an obstruction to vision, such as a cataract.
• Treatment Options Discussed:
• Patching – Covering the stronger eye to encourage the weaker eye to develop.
• Atropine penalization – An alternative to patching, commonly used for younger children.
• VR headsets like Luminopia – A new, innovative approach using dichopic training to treat amblyopia.
• Critical Period of Visual Development:
• Dr. Wong emphasizes the importance of early intervention, explaining how the brain’s ability to adapt decreases with age, making early treatment crucial.

Do you have more questions about amblyopia or other vision concerns? Dr. Wong invites you to call and leave a voicemail at 818-643-7158 to have your questions answered in the next Q&A episode.

Connect with Me:

• Follow me on Instagram @drrupawong
• Have questions or want to suggest a topic for a future episode? Reach out to me at [email protected]

Subscribe & Review: Don’t forget to subscribe to It's Good to See You on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen. If you found this episode helpful, please leave a review to help others discover the show!

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In this episode of It's Good to See You: Eye Health, Vision Care & More, Dr. Rupa Wong dives deep into the science behind blue light glasses. With so many of us spending hours in front of screens, the popularity of blue light-blocking glasses has soared. But are these glasses truly effective at protecting our eyes and reducing digital eye strain, or are they just another marketing trend? Dr. Rupa explores the latest research, including a landmark study that put these glasses to the test, and provides evidence-based insights on whether they’re worth your investment.

Key Questions Addressed:

• Are blue light glasses really worth it?
• Do they actually protect your eyes from harmful blue light?
• Can these glasses help reduce digital eye strain?
• Do these glasses help with sleep and migraines?
• What does the latest research say about the effectiveness of blue light-blocking glasses?

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding Blue Light: Learn what blue light is, where it comes from, and why it’s been a focal point in discussions about eye health.
• Research Findings: Discover the results of the first randomized, double-masked, controlled trial that assessed the effect of blue light glasses on eye strain.
• Effectiveness of Blue Light Glasses: The study found that blue light glasses did not significantly reduce symptoms of eye strain compared to placebo glasses. The doctor’s recommendation also did not influence the outcomes, suggesting that these glasses may be more about perception than actual physiological benefit.
• Practical Advice: While blue light glasses may not be the magic solution for eye strain, Dr. Rupa shares practical tips for protecting your eyes during prolonged screen time.

Studies Mentioned:

• A randomized, double-masked, controlled trial published in [Journal Name] evaluating the impact of blue light glasses on digital eye strain.
• Additional research on the physiological effects of blue light exposure and its relation to digital eye strain and sleep patterns.

Practical Tips:

• Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away.
• Adjust your screen settings: Reduce brightness and use screen filters to minimize glare.
• Ensure proper lighting in your workspace to reduce strain from screen use.

Connect with Me:

• Follow me on Instagram @drrupawong
• Have questions or want to suggest a topic for a future episode? Reach out to me at [email protected]

Subscribe & Review: Don’t forget to subscribe to It's Good to See You on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen. If you found this episode helpful, please leave a review to help others discover the show!

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In this episode of *It’s Good to See You: Eye Health, Vision Care & More*, Dr. Rupa Wong, board certified pediatric ophthalmologist, discusses how parents and teachers can spot early signs of vision problems in children. As kids head back to school, their vision plays a critical role in academic performance and overall well-being. Dr. Rupa breaks down common vision issues, the key warning signs to look for, and the importance of early detection in ensuring your child’s success both in and out of the classroom.

**Key Takeaways**:

- **Why Vision Matters for Learning**: Vision is critical to classroom success—around 80% of learning is visual, making healthy eyes essential for academic achievement.

- **Common Vision Problems in Children**: Myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), astigmatism, amblyopia (lazy eye), and strabismus (crossed eyes) are the most common issues that can impact a child’s ability to learn.

- **Signs to Watch For**: Parents and teachers should look out for children squinting, sitting too close to the board, excessive blinking, frequent headaches, and avoiding reading or close-up work.

- **The Importance of Early Detection**: Catching and treating vision issues early can prevent long-term problems, improve academic performance, and even enhance a child’s confidence in school.

**Statistics Mentioned**:

- 1 in 4 children has an undiagnosed vision problem that may impact their learning.

- Myopia affects about 42% of children aged 5-17, and its prevalence is increasing due to factors like increased screen time and reduced outdoor activity.

**Tips for Parents**:

- Schedule regular comprehensive eye exams for your child, especially before the school year starts.

- Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away to reduce eye strain.

- Pay attention to any changes in your child’s behavior or academic performance that could signal a vision issue.

**Resources Mentioned**:

- American Academy of Ophthalmology recommendations for children’s eye exams.

- Study from *Ophthalmology* on the rising prevalence of myopia in children.

**Connect with Me**:

- Follow me on Instagram www.instagram.com/drrupawong

- Have a question about this episode or a future topic? Reach out to me at [email protected]

**Subscribe & Review**:

Don’t forget to subscribe to *It’s Good to See You* on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen, and if you found this episode helpful, please leave a review to help more parents discover this show!

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Have you ever wished you had your own personal genie to handle your endless to-do list? Ever fantasized about duplicating yourself so you could be in two places at once? What if I told you that while magic carpets and cloning might be out of reach, there’s a real-world solution that can get you pretty close?

In today’s episode, we’re diving into the magic of outsourcing—how hiring a virtual assistant or in-person help can transform your daily grind into a well-oiled productivity machine. Get ready to learn about the top 10 tasks I delegate to maximize my time, tackle my goals, and maintain sanity in the whirlwind of professional and personal life

Freebies:

www.drrupawong.com/freebies

How To Outsource/Delegate/Eliminate Your Tasks: https://courses.drrupawong.com/matrix

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Ever feel like you don’t have the motivation to start something new? You’re certainly not alone. Every day, countless professional women like yourself grapple with the challenge of jump-starting new routines, whether it's beginning a fitness program, launching a side project, or simply organizing daily tasks more efficiently. It's a common struggle.

But what if the secret to unlocking that elusive motivation isn't about summoning an extraordinary burst of inspiration, but rather about laying a foundation of small, manageable habits that lead to that motivation? 

We're discussing why you don't need to depend on motivation to start a new habit and what you should be doing instead.

Books Discussed:

James Clear "Atomic Habit"

Charles Duhigg "The Power of Habit"

Like the podcast? Leave us a review! It just takes a couple minutes and really helps us spread the word to other working professional women like you!

Let's Connect! Instagram: https://instagram.com/drrupawong

Website: www.drrupawong.com

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What's the best way to head into perimenopause/menopause? Did you realize you should be doing things even IN YOUR 30'S, to protect your bone and musculoskeletal health?

Dr. Wright is a double board-certified orthopedic sports medicine surgeon specializing in shoulder, hip and knee arthroscopy for athletes and active people of all ages.

She has been featured in Wall Street Journal, New York Times, USA Today and U.S. News & World Report, as well as in magazines such as Maxim, Prevention, Fitness, MORE, Runner’s World, Best Life, Arthritis Today

Today we’re talking about the daily practices that women women should be instituting now  to live longer, better and protect their bone and muscle health. We’ll also be discussing how Dr. Wright uses her platform of over 700,000 IG followers to educate on these women’s health topics in a bite sized relatable way.

She discusses actionable strategies including:

-What diets are best as you enter perimenopause

-What kind of exercise helps prevent perimenopausal and menopausal weight gain

-What you should be doing NOW even if you're in your 20's and 30's.

Like the podcast? Leave us a review! It just takes a couple minutes and really helps us spread the word to other working professional women like you! Let's Connect! Instagram: https://instagram.com/drrupawong Website: www.drrupawong.com

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Another 12 months, and with that, more lessons learned.

1. Embrace imperfection
2. Daily visualization is key to achieving goals
3. Build strong relationships
4. Rewrite my narrative
5. Prioritizing health
6. Giving back
7. Resilience can be reset
8. Embracing technology
9. Recognizing my own limits 
10. Future planning

Thank you to everyone for the birthday wishes!

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