Dr. Rudrani Banik is a board-certified neuro ophthalmologist and functional medicine doctor specializing in conditions affecting vision and the connection between the eye and the brain.  She focuses on the root causes of eye disease and uses strategies based on nutrition, botanicals, lifestyle modification, and supplements. In this third in a series on eye health as we age Anne Akers interviews Dr. Banik on preventative strategies and lifestyle management.

Q: What lifestyle modifications do you recommend to prevent or slow the progression of age-related eye diseases like macular degeneration and cataracts?

A: The 5 basic lifestyle tenets for the prevention of conditions like AMD and cataracts include:

1. Diet: Adopt a plant-predominant Mediterranean-style diet rich in dark leafy greens, colorful vegetables, nuts, and omega-3-rich fish, while limiting ultra-processed foods, refined sugars, and red Strive for 3-5 cups of veggies and fruits per day.

2. Supplementation: Provide your eyes with protective nutrients through targeted supplementation to fill in dietary These nutrients can be found in my supplement line curated for eye health called Ageless by Dr. Rani.

FORTIFY, my best-selling signature product, is designed to support dry eye, the retina, and overall longevity of vision while fighting against AMD, and NOURISH, a complete multivitamin, is designed to provide all the essential vitamins and minerals found in a traditional multi, PLUS the bioflavonoids shown to support ocular health.

3. Medical Conditions: Maintain healthy blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol. When uncontrolled, these cardiovascular issues can wreak havoc on your vision.

4. UV protection for your eyes with 100% UVA and UVB blocking lenses (UV 400 equivalent) and a wide-brimmed hat during the hours of 10 am to 2 pm, even on cloudy days.

5. Exercise: Incorporate regular physical activity, at least 30 minutes, 3 to 5 times a week, to enhance oxygenation and nutrient delivery, detoxify, reduce oxidative stress and support mental and emotional well-being.

Q: What role does gut health play in eye health, particularly for women dealing with autoimmune conditions? 

A: The gut-eye axis is a critical but underrecognized connection. Gut dysbiosis and leaky gut contribute to systemic inflammation, which can affect the eyes in conditions like uveitis, thyroid eye disease, and Sjögren’s syndrome. Supporting the gut with probiotics, fermented foods, fiber, and targeted gut-healing protocols can lead to meaningful improvements in ocular symptoms.

Q: How do you determine which pharmaceutical-grade supplements are appropriate for individual patients, and what testing do you use to identify nutritional deficiencies affecting eye health? 

A: I do a battery of tests in the office, including careful examination of the cornea, lens, optic nerve, and retina. I also do non-invasive imaging of the oil-secreting meibomian glands in the eyelids and a macular carotenoid score.

To personalize supplement protocols, I may order specialized testing such as micronutrient and organic acid panels, omega-3 index, a toxin screen, vitamin D levels, food sensitivity tests, and/or genetic testing for AMD variants and zinc sensitivity Not everyone should be taking the AREDS2 formulation; though it is the most popular eye supplement on the market, the AREDS2 supplement has an extremely high level of zinc (80 mg, twice the upper limit established by the FDA for toxicity), which in some patients, based on their genetics, may INCREASE the risk on AMD progression. When choosing an eye supplement, I also only recommend supplements that are third-party tested for purity and potency, such as those found in my Ageless by Dr. Rani line.

Q: What advice do you have for women who want to be proactive about their eye health but feel overwhelmed by conflicting information about supplements and nutrition? 

A: Start small and prioritize quality over quantity. Focus on the core nutrients backed by science, avoid megadosing unless advised, and seek guidance from an expert in ocular nutrition. I also recommend downloading my free PDF guide, 3 Things You Must Do to Avoid Vision Loss and Blindness, as a practical starting point.

Q: How has your own health journey, as a physician and a woman, influenced your approach to treating other women? 

A: Experiencing my own health challenges in mid-life, including migraines and hormonal shifts, has made me more empathetic and holistic in my care. I understand the limitations of conventional medicine and the power of nutrition, stress management, and lifestyle change from personal experience. Also, after having cared for thousands of women, helping them enjoy better vision, I know that an integrative approach to eye health is the most effective way to maintain healthy vision.

Q: What do you wish women knew about the connection between their overall health and vision? 

A: Your eyes are not just a window to your soul, but to your overall health. The eyes are the proverbial canary in the coal mine. They reflect inflammation, vascular health, and even brain function. If you nourish your body, your eyes will benefit. Vision loss is not an inevitable part of aging—it can often be prevented with the right strategies.

Q: Fast forward, what developments in integrative ophthalmology and functional medicine most excite you for helping women maintain healthy vision as they age?  

A: I’m excited by the growing recognition of the gut-eye-brain connection, the development of nutrigenomics to personalize eye care, and advances in photobiomodulation – red and infrared light therapy – for age-related conditions like macular degeneration and glaucoma. We’re entering a new era of truly personalized, preventative eye care—and women stand to benefit the most.

Rudrani Banik, M.D.

Dr. Rudrani Banik is a Board-certified Ophthalmologist, fellowship-trained Neuro-Ophthalmologist, and Functional Medicine expert. She is fully trained in ophthalmic surgery and Botox, and she has a special interest in treating Headache and Migraine. Dr. Banik manages a wide spectrum of conditions affecting vision, as well as the complex connections between the eye and brain. She is the author of Beyond the Carrot. Visit her website.