496: Reading Glasses, Dry Eyes, and Cataracts – What's Really Happening to Your Eyes with Dr. Rudrani Banik

Can you remember the last time you could read a menu without squinting, holding it at arm's length, or borrowing someone's reading glasses? If you're wondering why your vision suddenly betrayed you in midlife (along with everything else changing in your body) this episode delivers answers you won't get at your typical eye exam. Dr. Rudrani Banik, a neuro-ophthalmologist with 20+ years of experience, reveals why our eyes go haywire during perimenopause and menopause, exposing the hormone connection your eye doctor probably never mentioned. Discover why dry eye isn't actually about tear production but about tiny glands with testosterone receptors, why those trendy eyelash extensions might be destroying your eye health, and the truth about whether sunglasses are really "endocrine disruptors" (spoiler: Dr. Banik tested it with a light meter). Learn the three-step eyelid hygiene routine that could save your vision, which eye drops actually work for presbyopia, and why that migraine aura isn't a stroke, even though it feels like one. Plus, get the insider truth about cataract surgery, when vision changes signal diabetes or serious neurological issues, and why you absolutely need a dilated eye exam (not just a glasses check). Dr. Banik shares her personal story of thinking she had a brain tumor at 54, only to discover it was her spine affecting her vision – proving everything really is connected in midlife. Catch the full episode on YOUTUBE HERE: https://bit.ly/MidlifeConversationsYouTube Learn More About Dr. Rudrani Banik Instagram ➜ https://www.instagram.com/dr.ranibanik Website ➜ https://www.drranibanik.com/ Thank you to our show sponsors! BIOPTIMIZERS: Get the digestive enzymes I take with every meal here https://www. bioptimizers.com/nataliejill Free Gifts for being a listener of Midlife Conversations! Mastering the Midlife Midsection Guide: https://theflatbellyguide.com/ Age Optimizing and Supplement Guide: https://ageoptimizer.com Connect with me on social media! Instagram: www.Instagram.com/Nataliejllfit Facebook: www.Facebook.com/Nataliejillfit For advertising inquiries: https://www.category3.ca/ Disclaimer: Information provided in the Midlife Conversations podcast is for informational purposes only. This information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional. Do not use the information provided in this podcast for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before making any changes to your current regimen. Information provided in this podcast and the use of any products or services related to this podcast does not create a client-patient relationship between you and the host of Midlife Conversations or you and any doctor or provider interviewed and featured on this show. Information and statements may have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent ANY disease. Advertising Disclosure: Some episodes of Midlife Conversations may be sponsored by products or services discussed during the show. The host may receive compensation for such advertisements or if you purchase products through affiliate links. Opinions expressed about products or services are those of the host and/or guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any sponsor. Sponsorship does not imply endorsement of any product or service by healthcare professionals featured on this podcast.