
Today’s episode is all about eye health. I’m talking with Dr. Sam Berne, a repeat podcast guest, and holistic optometrist. Dr. Sam has been an innovator in the field of optometry and holistic health for over 30 years. His protocols take a proactive approach and he treats the body as an integrated system. He’s an author, teacher, and healer, and he’s created a powerful assortment of eye health and wellness products.
Most of us are familiar with the typical eye exam, but it doesn’t really tell us how our vision is. Dr. Sam discusses how we can improve our vision without strong glasses or surgery. He goes into detail on how this works with both children and adults. We cover what nutrients can help improve eye health, and which exercises are a key component to better vision. Dr. Sam also talks about other therapies that are easy and affordable, like morning sunlight, red light, and more.
If you’re struggling with any vision problems, or simply want to keep your good vision as you age, then this is a great episode to listen to! It’s especially great for parents who are looking to improve or protect their children’s vision in a holistic way. We go really deep into practical eye health tips today, and I hope you’ll join me and Dr. Sam and listen in!
Episode Highlights With Dr. Sam Berne
- How he did dolphin assisted therapy for trauma patients in the past
- Why reading the eye chart is not vision, it’s eyesight which is just a skillset
- A vision problem is more than in the eyeball
- Why he doesn’t recommend dilating eyedrops for children in eye exams
- How children can improve their vision without strong glasses or surgery
- The type of exams he recommends for children of all ages
- How vision ties to movement and vestibular function
- What the primitive survival reflex is and how it relates to vision in children and what primitive reflex training is
- An eyesight problem is a symptom of a vision problem. If you improve the vision, the eyesight can get better
- The rise of myopia because we are all on screens and what to do about it
- Nutrition and supplements that are generally beneficial for the eyes: Vitamin A, Zinc, Brightly colored fruits and vegetables, Astaxanthin, Omega-3s
- Why refined sugar is bad for the eyes!
- How red light can benefit the eyes (and mitochondria in the whole body)
- Tip: How backward movement opens up peripheral vision and stimulates the brain
- The eyes and the brain make up 2% of body weight and use up 25% of resources and have a very high nutritional need
- How brain health is so important for vision as we age
- Ways to support eyesight with nutrition as we age (diet, glutathione, vitamin C, etc.)
- How dental health relates to eye health
- Head trauma and inflammation can affect the eyes as we age
- How wearing lenses can reduce vision as we age and eye exercises to help
- What to know about blue light and sunglasses
- The connection between trauma and vision
- How he uses castor oil on the eyes on the eyelid to keep eyes moist through the night
- What is different if you’ve had eye surgery
- The essential oils he uses around the face to support the eyes
Resources We Mention
- Dr. Sam Berne – website
- Dr. Sam Berne – Shop Products and Books
- I Sense: At Play in the Fields of Healing by Dr. Sam Berne
- Plant Therapy essential oils
- Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl
More From Wellness Mama
- 148: Dr. Sam Berne on Holistic Eye Care & Improving Eyesight Naturally
- 687: The Misdiagnoses and Missed Opportunities of Our Vision: Why We Have It All Wrong With Dr. Bryce Appelbaum
- 621: The One About Morning Sunlight – Short Episode
- 609: Dr. Jack Kruse on Junk Light, 5G, Optimizing Sunlight and Longevity
- 429: Andy Mant on How Light Can Heal (or Damage) Your Health & Hormones
- 373: Why Sunlight Is As Important As Nutrition and Exercise for Health & Lifespan With Ari Whitten
- How to Improve Eyesight Naturally
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