Épisodes

  • Guilt-Free Sleep: Do Nightlights Actually Ruin Your Child’s Vision?

    Guilt-Free Sleep: Do Nightlights Actually Ruin Your Child’s Vision?
    Jan 21 2026
    In this reassuring episode, pediatric ophthalmologist and mom of three Dr. Rupa Wong takes on a headline that has scared parents for decades: do night lights actually ruin your child’s vision? She walks through how one old study spread fear, what newer research really shows, and why a tiny glow in your child’s room is not the villain it’s been made out to be. This conversation is about calm, guilt‑free choices around sleep, light, and eye health—not perfection or panic. Key Topics: 1. How One Study Turned Night Lights into the “Bad Guy” - How a single 1990s paper exploded into TV segments, magazine stories, and parenting panic. - Why numbers like “55% chance of needing glasses” sounded so terrifying out of context. - How this fear feeds into the everyday “I’m messing up my kid” feeling so many parents carry. 2. What the Science Forgot: Genetics, Memory, and Real‑World Families - How studying kids already at eye clinics can quietly skew the results. - Why asking tired parents to remember tiny details from years ago isn’t solid data. - How mixing up “what comes first”—parents’ vision vs. the night light—changes the whole story. 3. New Research, Same Question: Is the Night Light Really to Blame? - What happened when larger, more carefully designed studies tried to repeat the old results. - How checking eye growth directly (not just using surveys) gives a clearer picture. - Why, when you line up several modern studies, the scary night‑light story just doesn’t hold. 4. A Calm, Practical Guide to Light, Sleep, and Your Child’s Eyes - Simple rules of thumb for choosing a night light that supports sleep instead of fighting it. - How timing and brightness of light (especially right after falling asleep or before waking) may matter more than whether there’s a glow at all. - Everyday habits—like outdoor time and screen breaks—that do far more for protecting your child’s vision than tossing every night light in the house. Want to receive my newsletter? Join our community of health-conscious parents and all-around eye enthusiasts! https://www.drrupawong.com/sign-up If you haven’t already, please rate, review, and follow the podcast to be notified of new episodes every Wednesday. Plus, be sure to follow along on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠@drrupawong,⁠⁠⁠⁠ check out Rupa’s YouTube channel Dr. Rupa Wong⁠⁠⁠⁠, and if you're interested in becoming a patient, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠Honolulu Eye Clinic. Join the Learn at Pinnacle app ⁠to earn FREE CE Credit for listening to this episode! This episode is brought to you by ⁠The Pinnacle Podcast Network⁠! Learn more about Pinnacle at http://learnatpinnacle.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    16 min
  • Online Safety 101: What Parents Aren’t Being Told About Their Kids’ Apps | Detective Michael Chun

    Online Safety 101: What Parents Aren’t Being Told About Their Kids’ Apps | Detective Michael Chun
    Jan 14 2026
    In this eye‑opening conversation, Dr. Rupa Wong sits down with Sergeant Michael Chun, a veteran detective in crimes against persons, to talk about what really happens in kids’ online spaces—and what parents usually don’t see. They explore how predators actually think, why “just handing over the iPad” can quietly open doors to danger, and simple, practical ways to start protecting your kids without living in fear. This episode is about realistic, calm, step‑by‑step awareness, not panic. Key Topics: 1. The New “Neighborhood”: How Kids Really Meet Strangers Now - How the idea of “stranger danger” has shifted from parks and malls to games, apps, and group chats. - Why a friendly gamer tag or cute profile picture can feel safe to a child, even when it’s not. - The quiet ways kids leak info (like where they live or go to school) without realizing it. 2. When We Hand Over the iPad: Everyday Parenting Meets Online Risk - How “I just need 20 minutes to cook” can turn into unsupervised exploring in hidden corners of apps. - Why turning off chat, messages, and friend requests can matter more than the game or app itself. - Small, repeatable habits (like checking settings first) that become as automatic as buckling a seatbelt. 3. Teaching Kids to Think Like Detectives (Without Scaring Them) - How to use TV shows, movies, or YouTube clips as “practice rounds” for spotting weird or pushy behavior. - Simple kid-friendly ways to talk about “tricky people” who seem nice but try to cross boundaries. - How to build a family culture where kids feel proud, not ashamed, to say, “Something felt off.” 4. Deepfakes, AI, and Family Safety Plans That Actually Work - Why voices, photos, and videos online can be copied or twisted so well that even adults can be fooled. - How kids can be targeted or bullied using fake images, even if they never send a risky photo. - Practical family tools—from safe words to posting rules—that can grow and change as your child gets older and new apps appear. Want to receive my newsletter? Join our community of health-conscious parents and all-around eye enthusiasts! https://www.drrupawong.com/sign-up If you haven’t already, please rate, review, and follow the podcast to be notified of new episodes every Wednesday. Plus, be sure to follow along on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠@drrupawong,⁠⁠⁠⁠ check out Rupa’s YouTube channel Dr. Rupa Wong⁠⁠⁠⁠, and if you're interested in becoming a patient, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠Honolulu Eye Clinic. Join the Learn at Pinnacle app ⁠to earn FREE CE Credit for listening to this episode! This episode is brought to you by ⁠The Pinnacle Podcast Network⁠! Learn more about Pinnacle at http://learnatpinnacle.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    49 min
  • The Anti-Supplement Guide to Eye Health: Protecting Your Family’s Vision Without Extra Pills

    The Anti-Supplement Guide to Eye Health: Protecting Your Family’s Vision Without Extra Pills
    Jan 7 2026
    In this episode, Dr. Rupa Wong, pediatric ophthalmologist and mom of three, breaks down how to protect your family’s eyes using everyday habits and simple foods—not another bottle of gummies. You’ll learn what’s really behind tired, burning eyes, why some “eye vitamins” aren’t what they seem, and how to build lifelong vision habits at the dinner table and beyond. Key Topics: 1. Why Your Eyes Are the “Forgotten Organ” of New Year Health - How we can overhaul our diets, workouts, and budgets while completely overlooking the one organ we use every waking second. - Why grabbing “eye health” gummies feels reassuring—but may not be doing what you think. - How a pediatric eye surgeon and mom of three thinks about protecting her own family’s vision in real life. 2. Dry, Burning Eyes in a Screen-First World - What’s actually happening on the surface of your eyes when they feel tired, gritty, or red after a day of screens. - How tiny structures in your eyelids can get “clogged,” and why that matters for both kids and adults. - Why the fish oil debate is more nuanced than “it works” or “it’s useless”—and what that means for your family. 3. Food, Sugar, and the “Aging” of Your Eyes - How certain eating patterns can make your vision seem off from one day to the next. - Why eye doctors are starting to see “older” eye changes in people who still feel young. - Simple tweaks to how you build a plate that can quietly support steadier, clearer vision over time. 4. The Rainbow Protocol: Everyday Habits for Lifelong Vision - How different colors on your plate feed different parts of the eye’s natural “shield.” - Why regular outdoor time may be one of the most powerful tools we have against stronger and stronger glasses. - Two quick at-home checks that can give you clues about your child’s hydration and overall nourishment—just by looking at their eyes. Want to receive my newsletter? Join our community of health-conscious parents and all-around eye enthusiasts! https://www.drrupawong.com/sign-up If you haven’t already, please rate, review, and follow the podcast to be notified of new episodes every Wednesday. Plus, be sure to follow along on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠@drrupawong,⁠⁠⁠⁠ check out Rupa’s YouTube channel Dr. Rupa Wong⁠⁠⁠⁠, and if you're interested in becoming a patient, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠Honolulu Eye Clinic. Join the Learn at Pinnacle app ⁠to earn FREE CE Credit for listening to this episode! This episode is brought to you by ⁠The Pinnacle Podcast Network⁠! Learn more about Pinnacle at http://learnatpinnacle.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    22 min
  • Minimizing Complications: What Questions to Ask Your Surgeon Beforehand | Uday Devgan, MD

    Minimizing Complications: What Questions to Ask Your Surgeon Beforehand | Uday Devgan, MD
    Dec 31 2025
    In the final episode of the cataract surgery series, Dr. Rupa Wong is joined by world-renowned cataract surgeon Dr. Uday Devgan for a candid conversation about what truly keeps patients safe before, during, and after cataract surgery. Together, they discuss how surgeons use surgical video to continuously learn and improve, why complications can still occur even in the most experienced hands, how emerging technologies like lasers and robotics may shape the future of cataract surgery, and how to have honest, clear conversations with patients about what cataract surgery can and cannot achieve. This thoughtful, practical episode is valuable for ophthalmologists at every stage of training and for anyone interested in what really goes into so-called routine cataract surgery. Key Topics: 1. Mastering “Routine” Cataract Surgery - Why a surgery that takes just a few minutes in the OR actually represents decades of training and practice. - How watching real surgical videos (including mistakes) helps surgeons avoid learning painful lessons on their own patients. - Why younger surgeons today can compress years of experience into a much shorter time with the right teaching tools. 2. When Things Don’t Go Perfectly: How Great Surgeons Think - What early, subtle warning signs during surgery can mean—and why catching them quickly matters so much. - How shifting from “this can’t be happening” to “okay, what’s the next right move?” protects the patient. - Why the best surgeons treat a complication like a problem to be solved, not a personal failure. 3. Robots, Lasers, and New Tools: Help, Not Hype - How robotic systems and guidance tech are being designed to keep instruments away from danger zones inside the eye. - Why lasers and other devices are “extra tools,” not magic buttons that guarantee better results for everyone. - How a thoughtful surgeon decides when high-tech options truly add safety or precision—and when simple, polished technique is best. 4. Expectations, “Young Vision,” and the Golden Rule - Why many cataract patients quietly expect a 100% perfect result—and how that can clash with medical reality. - How to ask your surgeon, in plain language, “For my eyes and my lifestyle, what would YOU choose?” - Why Dr. Devgan’s core rule is to give every patient the same surgery and level of care he’d want for his own eyes. Find Dr. Uday Devgan on Instagram - @uday.devgan Visit His Website https://cataractcoach.com/ Want to receive my newsletter? Join our community of health-conscious parents and all-around eye enthusiasts! https://www.drrupawong.com/sign-up If you haven’t already, please rate, review, and follow the podcast to be notified of new episodes every Wednesday. Plus, be sure to follow along on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠@drrupawong,⁠⁠⁠⁠ check out Rupa’s YouTube channel Dr. Rupa Wong⁠⁠⁠⁠, and if you're interested in becoming a patient, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠Honolulu Eye Clinic. Join the Learn at Pinnacle app ⁠to earn FREE CE Credit for listening to this episode! This episode is brought to you by ⁠The Pinnacle Podcast Network⁠! Learn more about Pinnacle at http://learnatpinnacle.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    55 min
  • Personalizing Cataract Surgery: Aligning Patient Preferences and Ocular Characteristics | Neda Shamie, MD

    Personalizing Cataract Surgery: Aligning Patient Preferences and Ocular Characteristics | Neda Shamie, MD
    Dec 24 2025
    Join Dr. Rupa Wong and Dr. Neda Shamie as they pull back the curtain on how cataract surgeons actually choose lens implants—not just to clear foggy vision, but to fit how you live, work, and play. From dry eyes to night driving to screen time, they explain why two people with “the same cataract” may need completely different lenses, and why your neighbor’s “perfect lens” might not be right for you. If you or a loved one is anywhere near cataract surgery, this conversation will help you ask smarter questions and avoid common regrets—without getting lost in medical jargon. Key Topics: 1. Modern Cataract Surgery: Not Your Grandma’s Operation - How did cataract surgery change from “just removing a cloud” to customizing how you see your world? - Why is today’s idea of “success” about more than just a clear eye chart in the clinic? - How can two people with “the same cataract” end up with very different vision goals—and very different lens choices? 2. Picking the “Right” Lens: Why One Size Definitely Doesn’t Fit All - How does your typical day—driving, reading, screens—quietly steer which lens might suit you best? - What’s the basic difference between a standard lens and a “premium” one, in normal, non-technical language? - Why might your neighbor’s “perfect lens” be the completely wrong choice for your eyes and lifestyle? 3. When a Fancy Lens Isn’t Worth It - How can issues like dry eye or a “rough” eye surface quietly ruin the benefits of an advanced lens? - What deeper eye conditions can make surgeons pump the brakes on certain “premium” options? - Why do personality and perfectionism sometimes matter just as much as your medical test results? 4. Expectations, Brain Adaptation, and Backup Plans - Why might your vision feel strange, “too sharp,” or a bit off in the first weeks after surgery? - What kinds of night-time quirks—like glare or halos—are normal to talk about before picking a lens? - If you truly don’t love your new vision, what step-by-step options might still be on the table? Find Dr. Neda Shamie on Instagram - @nedashamiemd Visit her website https://www.maloneyshamievision.com/ Want to receive my newsletter? Join our community of health-conscious parents and all-around eye enthusiasts! https://www.drrupawong.com/sign-up If you haven’t already, please rate, review, and follow the podcast to be notified of new episodes every Wednesday. Plus, be sure to follow along on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠@drrupawong,⁠⁠⁠⁠ check out Rupa’s YouTube channel Dr. Rupa Wong⁠⁠⁠⁠, and if you're interested in becoming a patient, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠Honolulu Eye Clinic. Join the Learn at Pinnacle app ⁠to earn FREE CE Credit for listening to this episode! This episode is brought to you by ⁠The Pinnacle Podcast Network⁠! Learn more about Pinnacle at http://learnatpinnacle.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 h
  • The "Mite" Problem: Why You Need to Treat Eyelids Before Surgery | Dagny Zhu, MD

    The "Mite" Problem: Why You Need to Treat Eyelids Before Surgery | Dagny Zhu, MD
    Dec 17 2025
    In this episode, Dr. Rupa Wong and corneal/refractive surgeon Dr. Dagny Zhu break down why eyelid inflammation and “lash mites” matter more than most people realize—especially before LASIK and cataract surgery. They explain, in simple terms, how the eyelids, tear film, and ocular surface work together to create clear vision and why treating seemingly “minor” eyelid issues can be the difference between a smooth recovery and a frustrating one. Key Topics: 1. Why Your Eyelids Matter More Than You Think - How can something as small as your eyelid affect the sharpness of your vision? - What’s really going on when your eyes feel “tired,” “scratchy,” or just “off”? - Why do surgeons care so much about your eyelids before a laser or cataract procedure? 2. Lash Mites?! Understanding What’s Really Living on Your Lashes - What are lash mites in plain, non-scary terms—and why do we all have them? - When does a normal situation tip into a problem that needs attention? - How can your eye doctor spot a lash mite issue with a simple exam trick? 3. Getting the Surface of Your Eye Ready for Surgery - What simple at-home steps can help get your eyes into better shape? - How do in-office treatments give your eyelids and tear film a “deep clean”? - Why might your surgery be delayed a bit—and how can that actually protect your results? 4. Myths, Makeup, and Maintenance: Everyday Habits That Impact Your Eyes - How can things like contact lenses and lash extensions quietly affect your eye comfort? - What are some common beliefs about “dry eye” and eyelid problems that just aren’t true? - How can thinking of eyelid care like brushing your teeth change your long-term vision comfort? Want to receive my newsletter? Join our community of health-conscious parents and all-around eye enthusiasts! https://www.drrupawong.com/sign-up If you haven’t already, please rate, review, and follow the podcast to be notified of new episodes every Wednesday. Plus, be sure to follow along on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠@drrupawong,⁠⁠⁠⁠ check out Rupa’s YouTube channel Dr. Rupa Wong⁠⁠⁠⁠, and if you're interested in becoming a patient, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠Honolulu Eye Clinic. Join the Learn at Pinnacle app ⁠to earn FREE CE Credit for listening to this episode! This episode is brought to you by ⁠The Pinnacle Podcast Network⁠! Learn more about Pinnacle at ⁠learnatpinnacle.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    44 min
  • After the Surgery: A Caregiver's Guide to Recovery and Red Flags

    After the Surgery: A Caregiver's Guide to Recovery and Red Flags
    Dec 10 2025
    Wondering what happens after cataract surgery? In this episode, Dr. Rupa Wong guides you through the recovery journey, what might surprise you, and how to recognize when it’s time to call your doctor. Discover tips, real talk about healing, and how to set your expectations for the best results. Key Topics: 1. Right After Surgery—What Will You Feel? - Why might your eyesight seem different than you expected? - What kinds of sensations are totally normal? - When does it make sense to reach out to your doctor? 2. Early Days: Healing Hiccups & Helpful Habits - What are some easy things you can do to help your eyes heal? - Are there daily habits you should avoid for a little while? - How do you take care of your eyes as they adjust? 3. Seeing the Changes—Week by Week - How might your vision change as the days go by? - What should you expect with colors, lights, and daily activities? - Will you need to plan for new glasses? 4. Don’t Ignore These—Knowing When to Act - What are signs that mean you shouldn’t wait to call your doctor? - Why is your experience unique to you? - How can staying connected to your eye care team give you peace of mind? Want to receive my newsletter? Join our community of health-conscious parents and all-around eye enthusiasts! https://www.drrupawong.com/sign-up If you haven’t already, please rate, review, and follow the podcast to be notified of new episodes every Wednesday. Plus, be sure to follow along on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠@drrupawong,⁠⁠⁠⁠ check out Rupa’s YouTube channel Dr. Rupa Wong⁠⁠⁠⁠, and if you're interested in becoming a patient, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠Honolulu Eye Clinic. Join the Learn at Pinnacle app ⁠to earn FREE CE Credit for listening to this episode! This episode is brought to you by ⁠The Pinnacle Podcast Network⁠! Learn more about Pinnacle at ⁠learnatpinnacle.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    24 min
  • The Post-LASIK Problem: What No One Told You About Aging Eyes | Neda Nikpoor, MD

    The Post-LASIK Problem: What No One Told You About Aging Eyes | Neda Nikpoor, MD
    Dec 3 2025
    Join Dr. Rupa Wong and Dr. Neda Nikpoor as they demystify the complexities of cataract surgery for patients who have previously undergone LASIK. Discover how modern technology is changing vision correction and what you should know before your procedure. Key Topics: 1. LASIK Basics: Your Eye's Previous Makeover - What really happens during LASIK - How the procedure changes your eye's shape - Why annual eye exams are still crucial 2. Cataract Surgery: More Than Just Lens Replacement - Why LASIK patients need special consideration - Challenges in measuring and selecting the right lens - The importance of personalized vision planning 3. Lens Options: Finding Your Perfect Match - Understanding different lens technologies - Why one size doesn't fit all - The game-changing light adjustable lens 4. Recovery and Expectations: Your Vision Journey - What to expect after surgery - The unique adjustment process - Living life with your new vision Want to receive my newsletter? Join our community of health-conscious parents and all-around eye enthusiasts! https://www.drrupawong.com/sign-up If you haven’t already, please rate, review, and follow the podcast to be notified of new episodes every Wednesday. Plus, be sure to follow along on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠@drrupawong,⁠⁠⁠⁠ check out Rupa’s YouTube channel Dr. Rupa Wong⁠⁠⁠⁠, and if you're interested in becoming a patient, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠Honolulu Eye Clinic. Join the Learn at Pinnacle app ⁠to earn FREE CE Credit for listening to this episode! This episode is brought to you by ⁠The Pinnacle Podcast Network⁠! Learn more about Pinnacle at ⁠learnatpinnacle.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    41 min