
The Eye-Q Podcast
Join Dr Rani Banik, America's Integrative Neuro-Ophthalmologist, as she explores the brain-eye connection. Learn about the latest technologic advancements in vision and brain health, and discover how science intersects with a holistic approach based on nutrition and lifestyle. Raise your Eye-Q about all things eye and brain-related!
Latest episodes

Jul 11, 2025 • 33min
Episode 034: The Art and Science of Youthful Eyes
In this episode, I talk with Dr. Amiya Prasad about the many changes that occur around our eyes as we age, from wrinkles and ptosis to dark circles and bags. He walks us through both surgical and non-invasive options, explains how to maintain natural aesthetics, and shares why choosing the right practitioner makes all the difference.Dr. Amiya Prasad is a board-certified ophthalmologist and a leading expert in ocular plastic surgery with over 30 years of experience. With a background in trauma care and a passion for artistry, Dr. Prasad blends function and beauty to help patients reclaim their confidence through rejuvenating eye procedures. He is also a strong advocate for patient education, offering insights through his popular YouTube channel and clinical practice.Dr. Amiya PrasadYouTube: http://youtube.com/user/DrPrasad1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amiyaprasadmdLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/prasad-cosmetic-surgery-&-medi-spa/Website: https://eyelifts.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmiyaPrasadMDConnect with me Shop: https://shop.rudranibanikmd.com/collections/all Website: https://www.drranibanik.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8mIi8P9tXSRXXwEdNX6aRw Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.ranibanik/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EnVisionHealthNYC/?_rdc=1&_rdr# -----Produced by DrTalks: https://drtalks.com/podcast/

Jul 4, 2025 • 36min
Episode 033: Myopia to Astigmatism: The Real Reasons Your Vision Changes
Join Dr. Dámaris Raymondi, a New York City optometrist with nearly a decade of experience, as she shares her insights on vision health. She discusses her journey with glasses and explains common refractive errors like myopia and astigmatism. Learn how lifestyle choices affect vision clarity and the importance of getting the right prescription. Dr. Raymondi also breaks down the eye's anatomy and the effects of visual fatigue, emphasizing personalized care in eye exams for optimal vision.

Jul 3, 2025 • 39min
Episode 032: Beyond Carrots: The Real Foods That Protect Your Eyes
Deep Parikh, a colleague of Dr. Rani Banik, dives into the fascinating realm of ocular nutrition and its role in preserving vision and fighting eye diseases. They discuss essential nutrients like macular carotenoids and omega-3 fatty acids, emphasizing a colorful, varied diet over the myth that only carrots can enhance eyesight. The conversation also highlights the importance of informed dietary choices, the surprising benefits of eggs, and dispels myths about eye health while advocating for a holistic approach to nutrition that supports both vision and brain health.

6 snips
Jun 19, 2025 • 41min
Episode 031: Eye on Nutrition for Diabetes
Jacinda Shapiro is a Registered Nurse and Certified Diabetes Educator who focuses on plant-based nutrition for managing diabetes. In this conversation, she highlights the critical link between diabetes and vision loss. Jacinda shares her journey into plant-based living and discusses the different types of diabetes. They explore the serious complications of poorly controlled diabetes and how a plant-based diet can be a game-changer for management. Listeners will gain practical lifestyle strategies to prevent diabetes and improve overall health through nutrition.

May 29, 2025 • 31min
Episode 030: Eye on IIH Part III
In this episode of The Eye-Q Podcast™, Dr. Rani Banik discusses Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH) with her patient Latisha White. They explore Latisha's journey from experiencing mysterious symptoms to receiving a diagnosis and treatment. The conversation highlights the importance of recognizing symptoms, the urgency of proper medical response, and the impact of lifestyle changes on managing IIH. Latisha shares her personal experiences with headaches, treatment options, and the significance of weight management in her recovery.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN00:00 – How does the patient journey with IIH begin?02:03 – What are the symptoms and how is IIH diagnosed?10:14 – What emergency responses and treatments are used for IIH?18:48 – How is IIH managed through medication and lifestyle changes?26:59 – What does recurrence and long-term management of IIH involve?Free eBooks6 Natural Ways to Conquer Headaches: https://rudranibanikmd.activehosted.com/f/27Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension: https://rudranibanikmd.activehosted.com/f/85Product LinksMigraine Bundle: https://shop.rudranibanikmd.com/collections/all/products/migraine-bundleCalm: https://shop.rudranibanikmd.com/collections/all/products/calmSHOP Ageless by Dr. Rani: https://shop.rudranibanikmd.com/Dr. Rani’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.ranibanik/

May 15, 2025 • 34min
Episode 029: Eye on IIH Part II
In this episode of The Eye-Q Podcast™, Dr. Rani Banik and Dr. Valerie Elmalem, MD discussed idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), a condition characterized by elevated pressure in the cerebrospinal fluid. They explore the symptoms, diagnostic methods, and treatment options for IIH, emphasizing the importance of weight management and lifestyle changes. The conversation provides valuable insights into the complexities of IIH and its impact on vision and overall health.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN00:00 – What is IIH, and what symptoms should you watch for?04:30 – What exactly is Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH)?09:30 – How can IIH be differentiated from other conditions?13:00 – What types of headaches are common in IIH?15:38 – What diagnostic tests are used to confirm IIH?19:41 – What treatment options are available for IIH?26:55 – How do weight management and lifestyle changes help with IIH?Connect with Valerie Elmalem, MDWebsite: https://profiles.mountsinai.org/valerie-i-elmalemFree eBooksWhat is Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH)?6 Natural Ways to Conquer HeadachesProduct LinksMigraine BundleCalmSHOP Ageless by Dr. Rani: https://shop.rudranibanikmd.com/Dr. Rani’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.ranibanik/

Apr 10, 2025 • 39min
Episode 028: Eye on IIH Part I
In this episode of The Eye-Q Podcast™, Dr. Rani Banik discusses Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH), a condition that primarily affects young women and is characterized by symptoms such as headaches, visual disturbances, and ringing in the ears. The episode covers the diagnosis, historical context, demographics, risk factors, and the implications of IIH, including potential vision loss. Dr. Banik emphasizes the importance of understanding IIH for better management and treatment options.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN00:00 - What is IIH, and what are its symptoms?02:50 - How is Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH) defined?06:06 - What is the historical context and terminology of IIH?08:54 - What are the demographics and risk factors for IIH?12:12 - How is IIH diagnosed, and what criteria are used?15:01 - What are the symptoms and clinical presentation of IIH?18:10 - How does IIH affect vision, and what is papilledema?21:02 - What are the implications of advanced-stage IIH?23:48 - How is Pseudotumor Cerebri Syndrome related to IIH?27:08 - What are the future directions in IIH research and treatment?Free eBooks6 Natural Ways to Conquer Headaches: https://rudranibanikmd.activehosted.com/f/275 Important Factor To Consider When Choosing The Best Sunglasses: https://rudranibanikmd.activehosted.com/f/31LinksMigraine Bundle: https://shop.rudranibanikmd.com/collections/all/products/migraine-bundleCalm: https://shop.rudranibanikmd.com/collections/all/products/calmSHOP Ageless by Dr. Rani: https://shop.rudranibanikmd.com/Dr. Rani’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.ranibanik/

Mar 27, 2025 • 38min
Episode 027: Eye on Plant-Based Nutrition & Lifestyle
In this episode of The Eye-Q Podcast™, Dr. Rani Banik interviews Dr. Jeff Pierce, a pioneer in plant-based lifestyle medicine. They discuss the profound impact of everyday choices on health, the importance of lifestyle changes in managing chronic conditions, and the need for tailored health strategies. Dr. Pierce shares success stories of patients who have reduced or eliminated medications through lifestyle modifications, emphasizing the role of diet and lifestyle in mental health and dementia prevention. The conversation highlights the significance of integrative approaches in healthcare and the necessity of collaboration between patients and providers for effective health transformations. In this engaging conversation, Dr. Rani Banik and Dr. Jeff Pierce explores the simplicity of healthy living through diet, exercise, and mindfulness. They discuss the profound impact of a plant-based diet on brain health and the importance of gardening for overall well-being. Dr. Pierce shares insights on urban gardening solutions for apartment dwellers and debunks common myths surrounding plant-based lifestyles. The discussion culminates in the significance of lifestyle medicine in patient care, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to health.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN00:00 - How can everyday choices unlock better health?03:11 - What inspired the journey into lifestyle medicine?06:05 - How do lifestyle changes transform patient care?08:54 - How can health strategies be tailored for chronic conditions?12:04 - Are there success stories of reducing medications through lifestyle changes?15:04 - What is the connection between mental health and lifestyle medicine?17:54 - Can lifestyle choices help prevent dementia?20:10 - How simple is healthy living?23:09 - What are the health benefits of gardening?27:39 - How can urban gardening be a solution for healthier living?31:32 - What are the myths about plant-based diets?34:48 - How does lifestyle medicine impact patient care?Connect with Jeff Pierce, MD Website: jeffpiercemd.comInstagram: @drjeffpierceFree eBooksThyroid Eye Disease: https://rudranibanikmd.activehosted.com/f/87Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension: https://rudranibanikmd.activehosted.com/f/85LinksBeyond Carrots: https://a.co/d/c54SD3eDry Eyes Bundle: https://shop.rudranibanikmd.com/collections/all/products/dry-eye-bundleSHOP Ageless by Dr. Rani: https://shop.rudranibanikmd.com/Dr. Rani’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.ranibanik/

Mar 21, 2025 • 29min
Episode 026: Eye on Autoimmune Diseases - An Integrative Approach
In this episode of the The Eye-Q Podcast™, Dr. Rani Banik interviews Dr. Micah Yu, an integrated rheumatologist, about autoimmune diseases and the innovative approaches to managing them. Dr. Micah Yu shares his personal journey with autoimmune conditions and how it led him to explore integrative and lifestyle medicine. The conversation delves into the definition of autoimmune diseases, their impact on health, and effective management strategies, including dietary recommendations and lifestyle modifications. Dr. Micah Yu discusses the impact of gluten and dairy on autoimmune diseases, emphasizing the importance of individualized dietary approaches. He explains the concept of leaky gut and its connection to autoimmunity, highlighting the role of gut health in overall immune function. Dr. Yu provides actionable tips for improving gut health, including dietary changes, stress management, and environmental considerations. He also stresses the importance of finding the right healthcare provider who understands the interplay between gut health and autoimmune conditions. The conversation concludes with insights on testing for underlying conditions and the significance of environmental factors in managing autoimmune diseases.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN00:00 - What are autoimmune diseases, and how do they affect the body?02:54 - What led to the development of integrative rheumatology?06:04 - How are autoimmune conditions defined and diagnosed?09:00 - What are the most effective ways to manage autoimmune diseases?12:00 - How does nutrition impact autoimmune health?14:31 - What role do gluten and dairy play in autoimmune disease?17:54 - How does gut health influence autoimmune conditions?20:12 - What proactive steps can be taken to support gut health?21:40 - How can patients find the right healthcare provider for autoimmune care?23:22 - What tests help identify underlying conditions in autoimmune disease?25:23 - How do environmental factors contribute to autoimmune diseases?26:05 - What are the key takeaways for managing autoimmune conditions effectively?Connect with Micah Yu, MDWebsite: www.drlifestyle.org & www.myautoimmunemd.comSocial Media: @myautoimmunemdFree eBooksExercises For Eye Strain: https://rudranibanikmd.activehosted.com/f/62Best Digital Eye Strain & Light Sensitivity Product Guide: https://rudranibanikmd.activehosted.com/f/77 LinksAgeless Eyes Bundle: https://shop.rudranibanikmd.com/collections/all/products/bundleNourish: https://shop.rudranibanikmd.com/collections/all/products/nourishSHOP Ageless by Dr. Rani: https://shop.rudranibanikmd.com/Dr. Rani’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.ranibanik/

5 snips
Feb 27, 2025 • 46min
Episode 025: Eye on Flashes and Floaters
Dr. Krishna Mukkamala, a seasoned vitreo retina specialist from Georgia Retina, breaks down the intriguing world of floaters and flashes in vision. He explains how these symptoms can arise naturally with age and when they signal a need for medical attention. The discussion dives into the anatomy of the eye, offering insights into treatment options like nutritional supplements and more advanced procedures such as vitrectomy. Listeners will gain a clearer understanding of maintaining eye health and the science behind common visual disturbances.