The Eye-Q Podcast

Episode 82: Why These Centenarians Don't Develop Macular Degeneration

The Eye-Q Podcast

Show Notes

In Episode 82 of The Eye-Q Podcast™, Dr. Rani Banik sits down with integrative optometrist, filmmaker and podcast host Dr. Kerry Gelb to explore why the eyes are much more than organs of sight. Dr. Gelb explains how examining the retina and its blood vessels may provide important clues about cardiovascular health, diabetes, inflammation and other systemic concerns. He also shares what he discovered while visiting centenarians in Nicoya, Costa Rica, one of the world’s Blue Zones. Did these adults living beyond 100 develop age-related macular degeneration—and what might their nutrition, movement, community and lifestyle teach us about vision longevity? You’ll also hear practical insights about: • Nutrition and age-related eye disease • Lutein, zeaxanthin and omega-3-rich foods • Exercise, sleep and morning sunlight • Stress management and healthy aging • The connection between retinal and cardiovascular health • The biggest misconception about the eyes and the rest of the body This whole-body conversation may change the way you think about eye examinations—and what your eyes can tell you about your health. Follow The Eye-Q Podcast™ so you never miss an episode, and share this conversation with someone who wants to protect their vision for life. ABOUT MY GUEST: Dr. Kerry Gelb is an optometrist, health educator and creator of the documentary Open Your Eyes. He also hosts the Open Your Eyes Podcast, which explores the connections among eye health, nutrition, lifestyle and systemic wellness. Watch until the end to hear Dr. Gelb identify what he believes is the single biggest misconception about eye health. Subscribe to The Eye-Q Podcast™ for evidence-informed conversations about eye health, brain health, nutrition, migraine, healthy aging and vision longevity. Please like this episode, leave your questions in the comments and share it with someone who wants to protect their eyesight. This episode is intended for education only and does not replace individualized medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. #EyeHealth #MacularDegeneration #HealthyAging #IntegrativeMedicine #TheEyeQPodcast

More from The Eye-Q Podcast

Oct 16, 2026

Do you need to become vegan to benefit from plant-based nutrition? Registered dietitian Nichole Dandrea-Russert, MS, RDN joins Dr. Rani Banik to break down what plant-based eating really means and how adding more whole plant foods can support gut health, brain health, mood, hormones, healthy aging, and overall wellness. They discuss: fiber and the microbiome short-chain fatty acids plant-based protein nutrients to pay attention to menopause and healthy aging eye-supportive foods carbohydrates and plant-based diets and simple ways to eat more plants without feeling overwhelmed

Oct 9, 2026

Could Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro or Zepbound affect the optic nerve? In this special episode of The Eye-Q Podcast™, neuro-ophthalmologist Dr. Rani Banik examines the rapidly evolving evidence surrounding GLP-1–based medications and nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, or NAION. You’ll learn what NAION is, which patients may already be more susceptible, why optic disc anatomy and optic disc drusen matter, how diabetes and obstructive sleep apnea complicate the risk-benefit discussion, and what the major studies actually tell us. Dr. Banik also discusses proposed mechanisms, a real-world patient experience with bilateral sequential NAION, practical guidance for patients and physicians, and the recent litigation surrounding these medications. The key message: association is not the same as causation, and relative risk is not the same as absolute risk. Do not discontinue a prescribed GLP-1 medication without discussing the risks and benefits with your treating clinician. If this episode was helpful, follow The Eye-Q Podcast™, leave a rating or review, and share it with someone who takes—or prescribes—these medications.

Oct 2, 2026

Why do grocery stores, scrolling, crowds, or driving make some people feel dizzy or off-balance? Dr. Rani Banik explains the eye–inner ear–brain connection, visual motion sensitivity, vestibular migraine, PPPD, and the warning signs that deserve medical evaluation. She also discusses vestibular rehabilitation, lifestyle strategies, supportive migraine nutrition, OpticaMD's Neuro Tension supplement, and why vestibular migraine can occur even without a prominent headache. If you found this episode helpful, follow The Eye-Q Podcast™ and leave a rating or review—it helps more people discover the show.

Sep 25, 2026

Why do sunlight, fluorescent lights, headlights, screens, or even your phone sometimes feel painfully bright? In this Eye-Q Podcast Quick Take, neuro-ophthalmologist Dr. Rani Banik explains 7 causes of photophobia, from migraine and dry eye to corneal irritation, uveitis, concussion, and neurologic conditions. You’ll also learn why constantly wearing dark sunglasses indoors may backfire, when tinted lenses may be helpful, and what emerging evidence suggests about lutein and zeaxanthin for supporting glare tolerance and photostress recovery. Most light sensitivity is not an emergency—but certain combinations of pain, redness, vision loss, fever, neck stiffness, or neurologic symptoms should never be ignored.

Sep 18, 2026

Ever see dots, strings, cobwebs, or squiggly shapes drifting across your vision? They’re called floaters, and most of the time they’re harmless. But a sudden shower of new floaters—especially with flashing lights—can sometimes be a warning sign of a retinal tear or retinal detachment. In this Eye-Q Quick Take, neuro-ophthalmologist Dr. Rani Banik explains what floaters actually are, why they become more common with age, what happens during a posterior vitreous detachment, and the symptoms that mean you should seek urgent eye care. You’ll also learn why floaters don’t necessarily disappear completely, who is at higher risk for retinal problems, and how floaters differ from migraine aura. If you found this episode helpful, follow The Eye-Q Podcast™ on Spotify so you don’t miss future episodes—and please leave a rating or review. It helps more people discover the show and learn how to protect their vision.

See all episodes →