The Berne Podcast with Dr. Sam Berne

In this episode I have a wonderful conversation with Rudrani Banik, M.D. a Functional Medicine Doctor and Ophthalmologist who practices in New York City. We discuss macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts, blue light, and nutrition. She can be reached at: https://rudranibanikmd.com

This episode answers questions about how refractive surgery and chemotherapy from breast cancer affect lens health, how to improve a large prescription discrepancy between the two eyes, how to help with optic neuropathy, and what can be done to reduce Fuch’s dystrophy. Question 1: “Years ago I had RK. As a result, I have high eye pressure and astigmatism.  Then, because of breast cancer,...

This episode answers questions related to preparing for cataract surgery, reducing myopia, and using statin drugs for treating glaucoma.  Question 1 from Barbara: “I went for my eye exam and the doctor recommended surgery for cataracts.  I wish I had met you sooner, but I feel I need the surgery now.  How can I best prepare?”  Question 2 from Ron: “I have a...

This episode answers question related to retinoblastoma, a form of eye cancer, visual tracking, and myopia and contact lenses.  Question 1 Julie 0:29-6:49 Hello Dr. Berne Do you have any experience with Retinoblastoma? Our daughter was diagnosed at 2 years old, she is now 7 and has some issues. The first challenge is that she has a cataract in her blind RB eye, the second issue is she ma...

This episode answers questions related to antibiotic alternatives for eye ulcers, dry eye syndrome, light therapy, astaxanthin,  and essential oils.  0-25 seconds Question 1 (26 seconds-3:40) from Linda: “Hi, I have been using your products, for a long time.  I am on antibiotics now for an ulcer on the back of my eye. My doctor said the was caused by an infection. Do...

This episode answers questions on using the medication Acthar to treat uveitis, using colloidal silver to treat cataracts, does Minoxidil affect eye pressure, and information on the “N Palm Hum exercise. Introduction 0-28 seconds.  Question 1: Chad 29 seconds-10:01 I have spondylitis and am somewhat prone to uveitis. My eye doc has prescribed “Acthar” for me. I am debating wh...

This episode answer questions related to black arc in the eyes, hemifacial nerve spasm, dry eye syndrome, double vision, and cataract surgery as it relates to releasing intraocular pressure. Question 1 0:31 – 11:00 Hello, Dr. Berne!  I’m a bit concerned. I started seeing a black arc in my right eye that comes and goes. Mostly if I look up quickly, it looks like an eyebrow. It’s not flas...

This episode answers questions related to fluctuations in vision after RK surgery, farsightedness, astigmatism, and macular degneration. Question 1 0:38 – 5:10 Fifteen years ago I had RK surgery. I just had cataract surgery with a Toric lens replacement. I have fluctuations in my vision which my eye doctor says is because of previous RK. Is there anything I can do to improve at this point? Q...

This episode answers questions related to underdeveloped optic nerves in children, Central Retinal Vein Occlusion, Dry eye syndrome, and how to perform the plus lens to blur eye exercise. Question 1 0:44 – 11:51 I am seeking information about underdeveloped optic nerves in children. My 9-year-old daughter just visited the eye doctor for the first time, and we were told she has an underdevelo...

This episode answers questions related to Visual Snow, the uses of glutathione, Idiopathic Juxtafoveal Tillandsia Ectasis, Lattice degeneration, Vitreous syneresis, Myopia, dry-eye syndrome, ocular migraines, white dot syndrome, and floaters. Question 1 0:37 – 6:55 What is visual snow? Can eye drops or any of your eye exercises help? Question 2 6:55 – 12:59 Dr. Berne, has your glutathi...

This episode answers questions related to pathological myopia, neovascularization, dry eyes, optic neuritis, glaucoma and epiretinal membrane. Question 1 0:00 – 12:52 My 15-year-old daughter has had pathological myopia since before 5 years of age. She’s been wearing corrective lenses and recently was diagnosed with neovascularization. She had her first Lucentis injection, and her eye c...

This episode covers questions about slowing progression of cataracts and glaucoma, anisometriopia, glaucoma medications, marfan syndrome, and accommodative esotropia. Question 1 0:00 – 10:37 I have been told that I have an early cataract developing, due to head trauma from a car accident years ago. I also have high eye pressure, but not high enough to use prescription glaucoma eye drops. Bot...

This episode answers questions related to nerve damage, lasik surgery, salzmanns’ nodules, nearsightedness in children, and 6th cranial nerve palsy.  Intro: How do we know if our eyes and vision are actually getting better? 0:00 – 4:41 Question 1 4:41 – 12:34 Hi Dr. Berne! I have nerve damage in my eyes and I was wondering if it’s possible to reverse it? Question 2 12:34 &#...

This episode answers questions related to retinal disease, double vision, cataract surgery side effects, and ocular occlusion. Question 1 0:27 – 5:43 Is there help for a retinal disease with methylation problems, no gallbladder, and gut issues. I’ve already had cataract surgery and then vitrectomies. Question 2 5:43 – 10:32 Can your eye exercises for double vision help with an isolated...

This episode answers questions related to ocular immune health, optic nerve health, clogged tear ducts, and hemorrhaging in the eye. How to Improve the Immune System in Our Eyes 0:00 – 6:58 Question 1 6:58 – 10:40 I am writing to ask if you are aware of any link between periodontal disease and macular degeneration. I recently had surgery on my left eye for a macular hole and was told t...

This episode answers questions related to dry eyes, contact lens solutions, eye-health supplements, and deteriorating near and far vision. Question 1 0:21 – 6:36 Do you have an opinion on LipiFlow for dry eyes, complicated by meibomian gland dysfunction? Thank you!” Question 2 6:36 – 12:06 What do you recommend for contact lens solution? Question 3 12:06 – 17:42 Which suppl...

This episode answers questions related to dry eyes, contact lens solutions, eye-health supplements, and deteriorating near and far vision. Question 1 0:21 – 6:36 Do you have an opinion on LipiFlow for dry eyes, complicated by meibomian gland dysfunction? Thank you!” Question 2 6:36 – 12:06 What do you recommend for contact lens solution? Question 3 12:06 – 17:42 Which suppl...

Question 1 0:18 – 7:31 I am at the age where I need bifocals and I wear contacts. I also have astigmatism. What can I do to improve my eyesight? Question 2 7:36 – 12:44 I am looking for information about how to improve retinitis pigmentosa holistically. What do you recommend? Thank you. Question 3 12:44 – 16:26 Is flash photography dangerous for newborns, babies or pregnant...

Question 1 0:30 – 10:38 My 88-year-old mother is blind in one eye and is challenged in her good eye. She had severe inflammation and had cataract surgery about 20 years ago. She uses alpha glaucoma medications and steroid eye drops. She used to take acyclovir for a herpes infection due to the steroid use. Currently, she takes a multivitamin supplement that contains a probiotic. She recently...

Question 1 1:15 – 5:17 Have you written anything on the holistic management of diabetic macular edema? I am trying to help my father with this condition. I am so grateful for any direction you can provide! Question 2 5:17 – 9:39 I have a condition of swelling of the eyeballs. I have not been given a diagnosis during the 16 months I’ve had the condition.  What would you suggest I...

Question 1 3:49 – 8:50 My 23-year-old daughter contracted Shingles in June 2017. She had it on her scalp, forehead, ear, etc. It went into her right eye. She is on her 3rd eye specialist and the inflammation and pressure are not normal. She does have a few autoimmune diseases. Any suggestions? Question 2 8:55-12:88 Hi there, Dr. Sam: I’m hoping you can give me some advice on keratitis. I hav...

Question 1 Hi, I have just been diagnosed with a problem where there is bleeding in the eye and I have type 2 diabetes. The eye doctor told me I should wait and see, and then get a new appointment for 10 months. BUT, I don’t want to wait and do nothing during that time. I am terrified and I want to do all I can to stop this and hopefully be able to reverse it. Please, could you help me with...

0:00 – 13:05 What is the protocol for reducing a nearsighted RX? Also, how much should I ask for in terms of a prescription reduction and how long will it take to improve my myopia.   13:05 – 18:13 How do I improve Optic Neuritis?   18:13 – 22:05 Hi Dr. Sam, I am wondering how you feel about infrared saunas and their impact on our eyes.

0:00 – 5:40 How do you work around being intolerant to “sulfurs”? 5:42 – 7:65 Dr. Berne, thank you very much for valuable content and sharing your knowledge! You’re helping people so much! I have a quick question. Your recommendation to ask your doctor for a weaker prescription for nearsighted reading or use of digital devices. How much weaker do you recommend? 7:70-...