
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

Nov 14, 2024 • 32min
Episode 014: Eye on Ocular Myasthenia Gravis
In this episode of The Eye-Q Podcast™, Dr. Rani Banik discusses Ocular Myasthenia Gravis (OMG), an autoimmune disease affecting the connection between nerves and muscles, particularly in the eyes. The conversation covers the symptoms, triggers, and risk factors associated with myasthenia gravis, emphasizing the importance of recognizing transient visual symptoms and the potential for serious complications if left untreated. Dr. Banik also highlights the connections between myasthenia and other autoimmune diseases, as well as the significance of understanding the symptoms for proper diagnosis and treatment.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN00:00 - What is Ocular Myasthenia Gravis?02:04 - What is myasthenia gravis, and how does it affect the body?07:18 - What are the triggers and risk factors for developing myasthenia gravis?13:21 - How is myasthenia gravis connected to other autoimmune conditions?17:27 - What are the symptoms of myasthenia gravis?30:52 - What are the key takeaways and future topics for discussion on myasthenia gravis?Free eBooksBest Dry Eye Product Guide: https://rudranibanikmd.activehosted.com/f/363 Things You Must Do To Avoid Vision Loss and Blindness: https://rudranibanikmd.activehosted.com/f/60LinksDry Eye Bundle: https://shop.rudranibanikmd.com/collections/all/products/dry-eye-bundleAgeless Eyes Bundle: https://shop.rudranibanikmd.com/collections/all/products/bundleSHOP Ageless by Dr. Rani: https://shop.rudranibanikmd.com/Dr. Rani’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.ranibanik/

Nov 7, 2024 • 35min
Episode 013: Eye on Cataract
In this episode of The Eye-Q Podcast™, Dr. Rani Banik discusses cataracts with Dr. Kira Manusis, a cataract and cornea specialist. They explore what cataracts are, the aging process that leads to their development, risk factors, and the importance of regular eye exams. The conversation also covers the management of cataracts, when surgery is appropriate, the surgical process, and the different types of lens implants available. They emphasize the significance of eye health and the need for patients to be proactive in their eye care.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN00:00 - What are cataracts, and how are they introduced?02:50 - What exactly are cataracts?06:05 - How does the aging process relate to the development of cataracts?08:46 - What are the risk factors for cataracts?12:06 - How does light exposure influence the risk of cataracts?14:54 - Can children develop cataracts?16:57 - How are cataracts managed, and when should surgery be considered?20:12 - What is the process of cataract surgery?23:02 - How do you choose the right lens implant for cataract surgery?25:48 - What are the financial considerations of cataract surgery?29:02 - What are some final thoughts on maintaining eye health?Connect with Dr. Kira ManusisWebsite: https://profiles.mountsinai.org/kira-manusis Free eBooksExercises For Eye Strain: https://rudranibanikmd.activehosted.com/f/62 Best Digital Eye Strain & Light Sensitivity Product Guide: https://rudranibanikmd.activehosted.com/f/77Dr. Rani's 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/

Oct 31, 2024 • 39min
Episode 012 : Eye on Food Choices
In this episode of The Eye-Q Podcast™, Dr. Rani Banik interviews Ocean Robbins, co-founder of the Food Revolution Network, discussing the significance of plant-based diets, the health benefits of whole foods, and the importance of nutrition in preventing diseases. Ocean shares his personal journey and the mission of the Food Revolution Network to promote healthy, ethical, and sustainable food for all. The conversation also touches on the need for better nutrition education in medical training and advocacy for food policy changes.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN00:00 - What is a plant-based diet, and how is it introduced?02:48 - Who is Ocean Robbins, and what is his journey through food and health?06:02 - What does it mean to follow a plant-based diet?08:58 - Why are whole foods important in a plant-based diet?11:50 - How does nutrition impact eye health?14:58 - What are the protein sources in a plant-based diet?18:06 - What is the Food Revolution Network?20:57 - How does advocacy support healthy food policies?24:12 - How is nutrition education included in medical training?27:02 - What are some final thoughts on health and nutrition?Connect with Ocean RobbinsWebsite: https://foodrevolution.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foodrevolutionnetwork/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/foodrevolutionnetwork X (Twitter): https://x.com/afoodrevolution Free eBooksThyroid Eye Disease: https://rudranibanikmd.activehosted.com/f/87Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension: https://rudranibanikmd.activehosted.com/f/85Dr. Rani's LinksBeyond Carrots: https://a.co/d/c54SD3e Dry 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/

Oct 24, 2024 • 28min
Episode 11: Eye on Migraine Part II - 5 Visual Symptoms in Migraine
In this episode of The Eye-Q Podcast™, The Health Compass Podcast hosts Mark and Christine, discusses the often-overlooked visual symptoms associated with migraines, including visual auras, light sensitivity, ocular migraines, and more. Guest hosts Mark and Christine delve into Dr. Banik's eBook, '5 Visual Symptoms in Migraine,' exploring the neurological basis of these symptoms and their impact on daily life. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding these symptoms, seeking appropriate medical advice, and adopting holistic management strategies to improve overall well-being.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN00:00 - What are migraines and their associated visual symptoms?02:43 - What are visual auras, and how do they impact individuals with migraines?05:59 - How does light sensitivity affect people with migraines?07:18 - What are ocular migraines, and how do they manifest?09:26 - What is benign episodic pupillary mydriasis, and how is it explained?12:44 - What are ophthalmoplegic migraines, and how can they be understood?15:22 - What management techniques are available for visual symptoms associated with migraines?22:32 - What are holistic approaches to managing migraines?25:47 - How can individuals be empowered through knowledge and advocacy in managing migraines?Free eBooksEye on Migraine: 5 Visual Symptoms of Migraine & How to Manage Them: https://rudranibanikmd.activehosted.com/f/816 Natural Ways to Conquer Headaches: https://rudranibanikmd.activehosted.com/f/27LinksMigraine 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/

Oct 17, 2024 • 39min
Episode 010: Eye on Thyroid - Natural Approaches
In this episode of The Eye-Q Podcast™, Dr. Rani Banik interviews Dr. Eric Osansky, DC, an expert in autoimmune thyroid conditions. They discuss the prevalence of conditions like Graves' disease and Hashimoto's, the importance of functional medicine in identifying root causes, and the role of diet and gut health in managing these conditions. Dr. Ozansky shares his personal journey with Graves' disease and emphasizes the need for comprehensive testing and individualized treatment approaches. The conversation highlights the interconnectedness of thyroid health, gut health, and lifestyle factors, providing valuable insights for both patients and practitioners.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN00:00 - What are autoimmune thyroid conditions, and how are they introduced?02:55 - What are Graves' disease and Hashimoto's, and how do they differ?05:46 - How is functional medicine explained in relation to thyroid conditions?08:53 - What tests are used to diagnose thyroid conditions?11:58 - How can root causes of autoimmune thyroid conditions be identified?15:08 - What role does diet play in supporting thyroid health?17:54 - How are gut health and thyroid function connected?20:51 - What is the 5R Protocol for gut health, and how does it work?23:59 - What are some final thoughts and resources for those with autoimmune thyroid conditions?Connect with Dr. Eric Osansky, DCWebsite: www.naturalendocrinesolutions.com and www.savemythyroid.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drericosansky Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/hyperthyroidhealingYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NaturalThyroidDoctor TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@savemythyroid LinkedIn or Other Social Media Links: @savemythyroid Free eBooksThyroid Eye Disease: https://rudranibanikmd.activehosted.com/f/87Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension: https://rudranibanikmd.activehosted.com/f/85Dr. Rani's LinksSoothe: https://shop.rudranibanikmd.com/collections/all/products/sootheNourish: 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/

Oct 10, 2024 • 34min
Episode 009: Eye on Thyroid Eye Disease
In this episode of The Eye-Q Podcast™, Dr. Rani Banik discusses thyroid eye disease (TED), an autoimmune condition that connects the thyroid and the eyes. The episode covers the symptoms, risk factors, and the importance of understanding the thyroid-eye connection. Dr. Banik emphasizes the need for proper diagnosis and testing, including autoimmune panels, and highlights the potential for vision loss associated with TED. The conversation also touches on treatment options and the importance of lifestyle factors in managing the condition.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN00:00 - What is thyroid eye disease, and how is it introduced?02:45 - How are the thyroid and eyes connected?06:01 - What are the symptoms and signs of thyroid eye disease?15:03 - What are the risk factors for thyroid eye disease?17:01 - How is thyroid eye disease diagnosed, and what tests are involved? 30:04 - What are the treatment options for thyroid eye disease, and what does the future hold for discussions on this topic?Free eBooksBeyond Carrots: https://a.co/d/c54SD3eDry Eyes Bundle: https://shop.rudranibanikmd.com/collections/all/products/dry-eye-bundleLinksThyroid Eye Disease: https://rudranibanikmd.activehosted.com/f/87Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension: https://rudranibanikmd.activehosted.com/f/85SHOP Ageless by Dr. Rani: https://shop.rudranibanikmd.com/Dr. Rani’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.ranibanik/

Oct 3, 2024 • 50min
Episode 008: Eye on GLP1 - Pearls and Pitfalls
In this episode of The Eye-Q Podcast™, host Dr. Rani Banik speaks with registered dietitian Ashley Koff about the complexities of personalized nutrition. They discuss Ashley's journey from advertising to nutrition, the differences between dietitians and nutritionists, and the importance of understanding individual dietary needs. The conversation also covers the role of digestion in nutrition, the impact of health trackers, and the emerging trend of GLP-1 medications. Ashley emphasizes the need for personalized approaches to nutrition and the importance of maintaining a healthy digestive system for optimal health outcomes.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN00:00 - What is personalized nutrition, and why is it important?03:03 - What is Ashley Koff's journey into the field of nutrition?06:10 - What is the difference between dietitians and nutritionists?09:03 - Why is personalized nutrition crucial for health?12:04 - How can we define "better nutrition"?15:03 - What role does digestion play in nutrition?18:02 - How do health trackers impact personalized nutrition?21:09 - What are GLP-1 medications, and how do they relate to nutrition?23:56 - What is the future of personalized nutrition?26:52 - What are the future endeavors in the field of personalized nutritionConnect with Ashely Koff, RDWebsite: https://thebetternutritionprogram.com/ Experiments: https://thebetternutritionprogram.com/experiments/Download the Digestive Evaluation for free: https://thebetternutritionprogram.com/download-the-digestive-evaluation/ Membership: https://thebetternutritionprogram.com/product/bnp-programs-community-and-education/ use code banik10 for 10% off any membershipFree eBooksBest Dry Eye Product Guide: https://rudranibanikmd.activehosted.com/f/363 Things You Must Do To Avoid Vision Loss and Blindness: https://rudranibanikmd.activehosted.com/f/60 Dr. Rani's LinksAgeless Eyes Bundle: https://shop.rudranibanikmd.com/collections/all/products/bundleBalance: https://shop.rudranibanikmd.com/collections/all/products/balanceSHOP Ageless by Dr. Rani: https://shop.rudranibanikmd.com/Dr. Rani’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.ranibanik/

Sep 26, 2024 • 32min
Episode 007: Eye on AI in Ophthalmology
In this episode of The Eye-Q Podcast™, Dr. Rani Banik interviews Dr. James Tsai, a leading expert in ophthalmic artificial intelligence. They discuss the transformative role of AI in eye care, including its applications in diagnostics, research, and global health equity. Dr. Tsai shares insights on founding the Center for Ophthalmic AI at Mount Sinai, the potential of AI to enhance patient care, and the importance of integrating AI into clinical practice without replacing the human touch in medicine.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN00:00 - How is AI being introduced into eye care?02:15 - What is Dr. James Tsai's background, and how did he become interested in AI?06:00 - How was the Center for Ophthalmic AI founded?10:13 - What are the current applications of AI in ophthalmology?17:42 - How is AI being used in research, and what are its future prospects?22:16 - How does AI impact global eye care and health equity?25:12 - What does the future of AI in ophthalmology look like?Connect with James C. Tsai, MD, MBAWebsite: https://www.NYEE.edu Free eBooks4 Tips to Combat Blue Light: https://rudranibanikmd.activehosted.com/f/19Digital Eye Strain & Light Sensitivity Product Guide: https://rudranibanikmd.activehosted.com/f/77Dr. Rani's LinksAgeless Eyes Bundle: https://shop.rudranibanikmd.com/collections/all/products/bundleDry Eye 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/

18 snips
Sep 20, 2024 • 34min
Episode 006: Eye on Glaucoma - Having the Conversations to Improve Patient Compliance
Dr. Nisha Chadha, an associate professor and glaucoma specialist, joins the discussion on the critical need for early detection and effective treatment of glaucoma. They dive into the challenges patients face with eye drop regimens and how innovative motivational interviewing can enhance compliance. The conversation emphasizes the emotional stakes of vision care, advocating for personalized strategies to improve patient engagement. Listeners gain insights into the educational resources aimed at empowering both patients and healthcare providers in the fight against glaucoma.

Sep 12, 2024 • 34min
Episode 005: Eye on Migraine - 5 Tips to Manage Migraine Naturally
In this episode of The Eye-Q Podcast™, Dr. Rani Banik shares her personal journey with migraines and provides five tips for managing migraines naturally. She emphasizes the importance of diet and lifestyle choices in fighting migraines, including incorporating fruits and vegetables, staying hydrated, moderating caffeine intake, taking supplements like magnesium and riboflavin, and prioritizing sleep. She also mentions the significance of managing stress as a key factor in migraine management.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN00:00 What is the prevalence of Migraine?03:19 What is Dr. Rani Banik’s personal migraine story?07:29 How does a migraine transition into a chronic daily migraine?13:03 What is the importance of integrative approach towards migraine?16:09 Tip 1: What are the importance of diet and nutrition to migraine?18:50 Tip 2: What is hydration?20:10 Tip 3: What is caffeine moderation?23:15 Tip 4: What are the best supplements for migraine relief?27:26 Tip 5: How to handle sleep and stress while having a migraine? 32:38 How stress is a big factor in having migraines?Free eBooksEye on Migraine: 5 Visual Symptoms of Migraine & How to Manage Them: https://rudranibanikmd.activehosted.com/f/816 Natural Ways to Conquer Headaches: https://rudranibanikmd.activehosted.com/f/27LinksMigraine 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/