ENCORE: Natural Approaches for Vision and Eye Problems, Part 1

Dr. Rudrani Banik, integrative ophthalmologist, dishes on a variety of subjects related to eye health. Are eye shields necessary for personal protection against the coronavirus? What’s the effect of all that extra screen time we’re experiencing due to lockdown? In addition to “blue-blocker” eyewear, can nutritional supplementation confer resistance against eye stress caused by device overuse? Will limiting kids’ outdoor time spawn a generation of glasses wearers? Dr. Banik shares how her own experience with migraines led her to begin to investigate natural approaches for eye problems. She is currently conducting research on the use of mastic gum extract in the treatment of optic nerve strokes, and gene replacement therapy for a rare form of hereditary blindness. In the wake of civil disturbances, Dr. Banik reports on advocacy by the American Academy of Ophthalmology to minimize the use of dangerous crowd control measures like rubber bullets. Stem cells are showing promise for restoring vision, but Dr. Banik suggests caution on their indiscriminate use. She previews her upcoming book, "The Macular Degeneration Prevention Protocol." Click HERE for part 2.