Mardi Gras, Cataracts, Glaucoma, Dry Eye & Natural Eye Health

Join Dr. Michael Lange, Optometric Physician & Certified Nutrition Specialist, and Dr. Susan Summerton for another upbeat and information-packed episode of Ask the Dr., America’s longest-running live medical talk show. 

In this episode, the doctors kick things off with a discussion about Mardi Gras, Fat Tuesday, Ash Wednesday, Lent, and the journey to Easter. Dr. Lange reminds everyone to enjoy the celebrations—but to do so responsibly and protect your health. 

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: 

Join us for the Lange Eye Institute Mardi Gras Festival
February 21st | 10 AM – 2 PM 

We invite the entire community to come out, celebrate, and learn more about eye health, nutrition, and wellness. 

CATARACTS & NUTRITION 

Dr. Lange and Dr. Summerton discuss why diabetics are more prone to cataracts, explaining the role of elevated blood sugar, oxidative stress, and glycation in damaging the lens of the eye. They also review nutritional strategies that may help support lens clarity and overall eye health. 

OPTILIGHT IPL & OPTILIFT RESULTS 

The doctors share what they are seeing after over a year of treating patients with OptiLight and OptiLift technologies, including improvements in dry eye symptoms, eyelid function, and blink dynamics. These innovative therapies are showing promising results for patients suffering from dry eye disease. 

GLAUCOMA – THE SILENT THIEF OF SIGHT 

During a live caller discussion, the doctors emphasize that glaucoma often has no early warning signs. They stress the importance of routine comprehensive eye exams to detect glaucoma early and prevent vision loss. 

They explain how glaucoma is diagnosed, including: 
• Eye pressure testing
• Optic nerve evaluation
• Visual field testing • OCT imaging

GLAUCOMA & WHOLE-BODY HEALTH 

The discussion expands into how systemic health impacts glaucoma, including: 
• Ocular perfusion pressure (blood flow to the optic nerve)
• The dangers of blood pressure that is too low
• How sleeping more than 9 hours may negatively affect glaucoma
• The impact of sleep apnea on optic nerve health

NATURAL SUPPORT FOR EYE HEALTH 

Dr. Lange and Dr. Summerton discuss nutritional and lifestyle strategies that may support healthy vision and circulation, including:
• Omega-3 fatty acids 
• Antioxidants
• Carotenoids
• Proper hydration and electrolyte balance 
• Lifestyle choices to support healthy blood flow to the eye 

LIVE CALLS & HIGH ENERGY SHOW 

This episode was filled with great caller questions, practical advice, and real-world clinical insights from decades of experience helping patients protect their vision. 

NEXT WEEK’S SHOW 

Don’t miss next week’s Ask the Dr., which will be broadcast LIVE from the Lange Eye Institute during the Mardi Gras Festival. 

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