#198 - Eye health—everything you need to know | Steven Dell, M.D.

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Mar 7, 2022

Dr. Steven Dell, an ophthalmologist and Medical Director of Dell Laser Consultants, shares his expertise in eye health and corrective procedures. He discusses why he chose ophthalmology and covers the anatomy of the eye, age-related vision changes, and common vision loss types. Listeners will learn about innovations like eye drops to improve vision, the rise of myopia in children, and the importance of protecting eye health through outdoor activity. Delving into cataract surgeries and the evolution of laser techniques, he emphasizes the critical need for regular eye screenings.

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ANECDOTE

Attia's Eye Knowledge

Peter Attia's medical knowledge of the eye is limited to optic nerve, fovea, and blind spot.
He jokes about his ignorance being on par with a layperson.

INSIGHT

Ophthalmology's Scope

Ophthalmologists require broad medical knowledge because eye issues often reflect systemic diseases.
They collaborate with optometrists, who handle non-surgical eye care.

ANECDOTE

Suture Stealing

Peter Attia recalls stealing 11-0 suture from ophthalmology during his residency to practice fine suturing.
He reasoned that mastering 11-0 suture would make 7-0 feel like rope.

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Episode Description:

Steven Dell is an ophthalmologist, current Medical Director of Dell Laser Consultants, and a leader in refractive eye surgery with over 20 patents to his name. In this episode, Steven explains the anatomy and functional mechanics of the eye and how they relate to common variations in vision. He discusses changes in vision that occur with aging, the fundamentals of different types of vision loss, and provides an in-depth look into the various treatments and procedures available for corrective eye surgery. Additionally, Steven explains how one might protect the eyes and prevent vision loss—a topic particularly important for children in light of the epidemic of myopia.

We discuss:

Why Steven chose ophthalmology, and the crossovers to other medical disciplines [3:45];
Anatomy of the eye, common types of vision loss, and age-related vision changes [14:15];
Eye drops that can potentially improve vision [27:30];
The explanation for different eye colors [33:15];
Physiology of the eye and its connections to the brain [34:45];
Understanding human vision through an evolutionary lens [41:00];
Enhancing vision beyond 20/20 [47:00];
Astigmatism: definition, cause, and high prevalence [51:30];
Nearsightedness (myopia): causes, epidemic in children, and prevention strategies [54:15];
Cataracts: impact of aging and how they can be repaired [1:05:00];
Lens implants that can correct and improve vision [1:19:30];
Effects of eye trauma [1:26:45];
Corneal abrasion from ‘dry eye’: causes, treatment, and prevention strategies [1:29:00];
Sunglasses for eye protection [1:35:00];
Solutions to correct nearsightedness [1:42:00];
Laser eye surgery—photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) [1:45:45];
Laser eye surgery—LASIK [2:02:00];
Laser eye surgery—small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) [2:11:45];
Glaucoma: definition, causes, symptoms, and care [2:13:45];
Tips for preserving eye health [2:20:00];
Screen time and eye health [2:24:15];
Contact lenses: good hygiene and considerations [2:27:45];
A bonus benefit from repairing cataracts [2:29:00];
Questions about corrective eye surgery [2:31:30];
How an eye exam can be a window into metabolic illness [2:33:45]; and
More.

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