What 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 Guest

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.

Can 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 vision

If 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 Guest

Deep 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.

Chapters

00:00 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 thoughts

Connect with Dr. Deep Parikh

Instagram: @drdeepparikh

Connect with Dr. Rani Banik

Website: ⁠https://www.drranibanik.com⁠

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/dr.ranibanik⁠

YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@DrRaniBanik⁠

Shop: ⁠https://shop.rudranibanikmd.com⁠

Could 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 MS

This 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, FMAPS
Website: https://dariningelsnd.com

Disclaimer: 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.

In this episode of The Eye-Q Podcast, I speak with Dr. Harsha Reddy about oculoplastics, surgical training, medical education, and global ophthalmology. We discuss how eye care can restore function, confidence, and dignity, and how his nonprofit Lokana brings exams, glasses, and surgical access to remote tribal communities in India.

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About the Guest:

Dr. Harsha Reddy is an associate professor of ophthalmology at New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai, an oculoplastic surgeon, and residency program director. He is also the founder of Lokana.org, a nonprofit supporting eye care access for underserved tribal communities in India. He is working on a documentary film, Eternal Trees, Eternal Mountains, to help preserve and share their stories.

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Social Handles:

Website: https://www.drharshareddy.com/

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Social Handles:

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Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/dr.ranibanik/⁠

Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/EnVisionHealthNYC/?_rdc=1&_rdr#⁠

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Go beyond carrots and supercharge your vision! In her book, available on Amazon, Dr. Rudrani Banik reveals over 30 essential nutrients and 40 delicious recipes designed to protect and strengthen your eyesight for years to come: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Beyond Carrots: Best Foods for Eye Health, A to Z⁠⁠⁠⁠.

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PODCAST
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In this episode of The Eye-Q Podcast, I speak with neurosurgeon Dr. Raj Shrivastava about how brain tumors can sometimes show up through vision changes, headaches, hormone symptoms, or loss of smell. We discuss benign skull-based tumors, pituitary tumors, when to seek care, why guided testing matters, and how modern neurosurgery now focuses on effective treatment with quality of life in mind.

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About the Guest:

Dr. Raj Shrivastava is a neurosurgeon at Mount Sinai in New York City who specializes in benign skull-based tumors and complex neurologic conditions. Through his work with patients whose symptoms may involve vision, hormones, smell, or brain health, he brings a thoughtful and reassuring perspective to The Eye-Q Podcast's mission of helping listeners understand the deeper connections between eye health, brain health, and overall wellness.

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Social Handles:

Shop: https://shop.rudranibanikmd.com/collections/all
Website: https://www.drranibanik.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8mil8P9tXSRXwEdNX6aRw
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.ranibanik/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EnVisionHealthNYC/?_rdc=1&_rdr#

Go beyond carrots and supercharge your vision! In her book, available on Amazon, Dr. Rudrani Banik reveals over 30 essential nutrients and 40 delicious recipes designed to protect and strengthen your eyesight for years to come: ⁠⁠⁠Beyond Carrots: Best Foods for Eye Health, A to Z⁠⁠⁠.

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PODCAST
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This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com
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In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Risa Ryger to explore how our beliefs, mindset, and emotional awareness shape the way we navigate midlife and beyond. We talk about the difference between reinvention and expansion, how to identify limiting beliefs, and why resilience is about bending, not breaking. This conversation offers a powerful reminder that growth, clarity, and meaningful change are always available to us.

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About the Guest:

Dr. Risa Ryger is a clinical psychologist, international speaker, and founder of 93% Consulting. She is the creator of the Self-Owned Mindset, a framework designed to help individuals reclaim their identity, expand their potential, and create meaningful change. Through her work, speaking engagements, and “Disruptive Conversations” series, she empowers women to challenge limiting beliefs and step fully into who they are.

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Social Handles:

Website: https://www.drrisaryger.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-risa-ryger-69a47a21/

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Social Handles:

Shop: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://shop.rudranibanikmd.com/collections/all⁠⁠⁠⁠

Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.drranibanik.com/⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8mil8P9tXSRXwEdNX6aRw⁠⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/dr.ranibanik/⁠⁠⁠⁠

Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/EnVisionHealthNYC/?_rdc=1&_rdr#⁠

Go beyond carrots and supercharge your vision! In her book, available on Amazon, Dr. Rudrani Banik reveals over 30 essential nutrients and 40 delicious recipes designed to protect and strengthen your eyesight for years to come: ⁠⁠Beyond Carrots: Best Foods for Eye Health, A to Z⁠⁠.

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PODCAST
Thank you for listening.
Please subscribe and share.
This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com
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In this episode of The Eye-Q Podcast, I speak with Dr. Jennifer Tsai about dry eye through a clinical, root-cause lens. We discuss how dysfunction in the tear system drives symptoms, why conventional treatments often fall short, and how newer approaches like IPL, radiofrequency, and regenerative therapies are shifting how we manage dry eye for more sustained results.

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About the Guest:

Dr. Jennifer Tsai is a New York City-based optometrist and founder of Line of Sight, a practice specializing in advanced dry eye management and ocular surface disease. She is also the creator of iGenic, a lid hygiene line focused on supporting long-term ocular health. Through her clinical work and educational platforms, she emphasizes root-cause diagnosis and modern treatment strategies in eye care.

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Dr. Jennifer Tsai, OD

Website: https://www.drjennifertsai.com/ 

Instagram: https://www.drjennifertsai.com/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drjenandjuice

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Social Handles:

Shop: ⁠⁠⁠https://shop.rudranibanikmd.com/collections/all⁠⁠⁠

Website: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.drranibanik.com/⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8mil8P9tXSRXwEdNX6aRw⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/dr.ranibanik/⁠⁠⁠

Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/EnVisionHealthNYC/?_rdc=1&_rdr#⁠

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PODCAST

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Please subscribe and share.

This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com

⁠https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Sonny Goel to break down the world of refractive surgery, from LASIK and PRK to newer options like SMILE and implantable lenses. We explore how these procedures work, who qualifies, and what risks patients need to understand before making a decision. If you've ever considered vision correction, this conversation will help you see the full picture.

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About the Guest:

Dr. Sonny Goel is a leading refractive surgeon based in Baltimore, Maryland, with decades of experience performing advanced vision correction procedures. He specializes in LASIK, SMILE, and lens-based surgeries, and is known for his patient-focused approach and commitment to using the latest technologies to improve visual outcomes. His work has helped thousands achieve greater independence from glasses and contact lenses.

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Dr. Sonny Goel, MD

Website: https://goelvision.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoelVision
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaVK8KsWVwDQV7etLu8UP2A
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sonnygoelmd/

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Social Handles:

Shop: ⁠⁠https://shop.rudranibanikmd.com/collections/all⁠⁠

Website: ⁠⁠https://www.drranibanik.com/⁠

⁠⁠⁠YouTube: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8mil8P9tXSRXwEdNX6aRw⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/dr.ranibanik/⁠⁠

Facebook: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/EnVisionHealthNYC/?_rdc=1&_rdr#

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PODCAST
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Please subscribe and share.
This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com
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In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Bryce Appelbaum to unpack digital eye strain and the deeper connection between your eyes and brain. We explore why screens aren't the real problem, how visual stress affects your nervous system, and what you can do to improve focus, reduce fatigue, and build stronger visual habits for daily screen use.

Go beyond carrots and supercharge your vision! In her book, available on Amazon, Dr. Rudrani Banik reveals over 30 essential nutrients and 40 delicious recipes designed to protect and strengthen your eyesight for years to come: ⁠Beyond Carrots: Best Foods for Eye Health, A to Z⁠.

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About the Guest:

Dr. Bryce Appelbaum, OD, is on a mission to change the way the world views vision. He believes there is more to vision than just 20/20 eyesight and has developed programs to retrain the brain to revise the eyes. He has been featured on the front page of USA Today, on CBS, in the New York Times Magazine, Bethesda Magazine, and as the cover story of OT Advance. In 2022, he received The Future of Health Award at the Mindshare Leadership Summit and has shared the stage with Dr. Joe Dispenza, Marie Forleo, and JJ Virgin. A frequent podcast and media guest, he has recently been interviewed on MindBodyGreen, Chris Kresser's Revolution Health Radio, and Cynthia Thurlow's Everyday Wellness.

A pioneer in neuro-optometry, Dr. Appelbaum is passionate about unlocking life's potential through vision. His expertise includes reorganizing the visual brain post-concussion to return to learn and return to life, remediating visual developmental delays interfering with reading and learning, and enhancing visual skills to elevate sports performance. He is the founder and CEO of VisionFirst, with a private practice specializing in Vision Therapy and Rehabilitation and offices in Bethesda and Annapolis, Maryland. He is also the founder and CEO of ScreenFit, the revolutionary online vision training program designed to minimize the damage of digital devices on vision, reduce symptoms, and promote healthy visual habits for extended screen use.

Dr. Appelbaum has worked with hundreds of professional athletes, numerous professional and collegiate sports teams, and countless amateur athletes to transform raw talent into honed performance through vision.

Website: https://myvisionfirst.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/myvisionfirstoptometry/

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Social Handles:

Shop: ⁠https://shop.rudranibanikmd.com/collections/all⁠

Website: ⁠https://www.drranibanik.com/

⁠YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8mil8P9tXSRXwEdNX6aRw⁠

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/dr.ranibanik/⁠

Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/EnVisionHealthNYC/?_rdc=1&_rdr#

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PODCAST
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This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com
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In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Brian Campolattaro to break down what double vision really means and why it happens. We explore how to tell the difference between types of diplopia, what causes eye misalignment in both kids and adults, and why modern screen habits are changing how often we see these conditions. We also walk through treatment options, from simple exercises to surgical solutions.

Go beyond carrots and supercharge your vision! In her book, available on Amazon, Dr. Rudrani Banik reveals over 30 essential nutrients and 40 delicious recipes designed to protect and strengthen your eyesight for years to come: Beyond Carrots: Best Foods for Eye Health, A to Z.

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About the Guest:

Dr. Brian Campolattaro, MD is a pediatric ophthalmologist and strabismus specialist at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai. He focuses on eye misalignment and double vision in both children and adults, combining neurological insight with advanced surgical techniques to restore proper eye function and visual alignment.

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Mount Sinai Doctors

https://profiles.mountsinai.org/brian-n-campolattaro

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Social Handles:

Shop: https://shop.rudranibanikmd.com/collections/all
Website: https://www.drranibanik.com/
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.ranibanik/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EnVisionHealthNYC/?_rdc=1&_rdr#

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PODCAST
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This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com
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