Episode 077: Can Autoimmune Disease Affect Your Eyes? Understanding Uveitis with Deep Parikh, MD

How did cells taken from one woman more than 70 years ago become one of the most important tools in modern medicine? In this Eye-Q Science Story, Dr. Rani Banik explores the life and legacy of Henrietta Lacks, whose cancer cells became the immortal HeLa cell line. The episode covers the enormous scientific impact of HeLa cells, their surprising connection to eye research, and a 2018 study that used HeLa cells to investigate retinal and blue light. Dr. Banik also explains why laboratory cell findings should not be confused with proof of disease in humans—and why the familiar claim that ordinary screen exposure “kills retinal cells” goes far beyond what that experiment established. Finally, the episode examines the ethical legacy of Henrietta Lacks: informed consent, privacy, race, medical research, and the importance of remembering the human being behind the cell line. If you enjoyed this episode, follow The Eye-Q Podcast™, leave a rating or review, and share it with someone who loves science and medical history.

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

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.

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.

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.