Can red light therapy help macular degeneration? Research into this emerging treatment is generating interest, but what does the evidence actually show?

In this episode of Eye Got You, optometrist Dr Valarie Jerome explores red light therapy for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), explaining how it is thought to work, what early research suggests and why caution is still needed.

You'll learn what macular degeneration does to central vision, how researchers are investigating the effects of red light on retinal cells, and what studies have reported about contrast sensitivity, colour vision and vision in dim lighting.

Dr Valarie also discusses the difference between medical devices used in clinical research and the red light products being marketed online, why most of the research has focused on dry macular degeneration, and why red light therapy is not a replacement for established treatments such as anti-VEGF injections for wet macular degeneration.

The episode also covers established ways to support eye health, including stopping smoking, eating a balanced diet, managing blood pressure and cholesterol, protecting your eyes from the sun and attending regular eye examinations.

Is red light therapy for macular degeneration a genuine breakthrough or a wellness trend that is getting ahead of the evidence? Listen to find out what we know so far and what questions still need answering.

Eye Got You is hosted by Dr Valarie Jerome.

This podcast is for information and entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your eye care provider before making decisions about eye treatments. Do not stop or delay prescribed treatment based on information in this episode.

Connect with Dr. Valarie Jerome: https://www.instagram.com/drvalariejerome

Learn more at https://www.eyegotyoucare.com

Produced by: https://creativecontentstudio.co.uk/

What is it really like to live with ocular albinism?

In this episode of Eye Got You, Dr Valarie Jerome explores ocular albinism, a genetic eye condition that can cause reduced vision, light sensitivity, nystagmus and other visual difficulties.

Dr Valarie is joined by Alice Christina-Corrigan, a visually impaired & neurodivergent artist, writer & access led creative. Alice is also the artistic director of LALA Arts, a company focused on creativity, community & change.

Alice shares her personal experience of growing up with the condition, from feeling different and lacking representation to developing a much stronger understanding of her disability and becoming an advocate for accessibility and representation.

She also talks about the practical adaptations she uses every day, working in television and theatre, accessibility on film sets, the assumptions people make about visually impaired people and why the idea that disabled people should be viewed as "inspirational" can be so frustrating.

Dr Valarie also explains some of the ways ocular albinism can affect vision and how people living with the condition can be supported.

Find out more about Alice Christina-Corrigan at https://alicechristinacorrigan.com

Please note: This podcast is for information and entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical or eye-care advice. If you experience a sudden change in your vision, new flashes, a sudden increase in floaters, a shadow or curtain across your vision, or loss of peripheral vision, seek urgent professional eye-care advice.

Connect with Dr. Valarie Jerome: https://www.instagram.com/drvalariejerome

Learn more at https://www.eyegotyoucare.com

Produced by: https://creativecontentstudio.co.uk/

Have you ever noticed tiny dots, squiggly lines, cobwebs or shadows moving across your vision? Or suddenly seen flashes of light in the corner of your eye?

In this episode of Eye Got You, Dr. Valerie Jerome explains what eye floaters and flashes actually are, why they happen and why you may notice them more against a bright sky, white wall or computer screen.

Most floaters are common and harmless, but a sudden increase in floaters, new flashes of light, a shadow or curtain across your vision, or a sudden change in your sight can be a warning sign that needs urgent assessment.

Dr. Valerie explains the role of the vitreous gel inside the eye, how changes to it can create floaters, why flashes can occur and why the story behind your symptoms matters when an optometrist is assessing your eyes.

She also answers some common questions, including whether floaters mean you're going blind, whether eye exercises can get rid of them and why your brain can eventually learn to ignore them.

If you've ever wondered what that strange shape floating across your vision actually is, this episode is for you.

Eye Got You with Dr. Valerie Jerome is all about helping you understand your eyes and look after your vision for life.

Please subscribe to the podcast, leave a review and share this episode with someone who might find it useful.

Please note: This podcast is for information and entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical or eye-care advice. If you experience a sudden change in your vision, new flashes, a sudden increase in floaters, a shadow or curtain across your vision, or loss of peripheral vision, seek urgent professional eye-care advice.

Connect with Dr. Valarie Jerome: https://www.instagram.com/drvalariejeromeLearn more at https://www.eyegotyoucare.com

Produced by: https://creativecontentstudio.co.uk/