Natural Eye Care with Dr. Marc Grossman, Holistic Optometrist

Dr. Marc R Grossman, OD, L.Ac.
  • 4.8 (32)
  • Alternative Health
  • Updated Biweekly

Leading Holistic Optometrist Dr. Marc R. Grossman, O.D., L.Ac. hosts the Natural Eye Care Podcast: approaches to vision problems, eye health, and overall health backed by research and his 40+ years of experience with patients. Most eye diseases strike seniors. Find out how lifestyle, diet, and nutrition can help maintain healthy vision and even improve eyesight. An Holistic Eye Doctor is dedicated to helping people with such conditions ranging from myopia and dry eyes to potentially vision-threatening diseases like macular degeneration and glaucoma. Dr. Grossman's podcasts cover a multi-disciplinary approach including nutrition, eye exercises, lifestyle changes, and Chinese Medicine. Dr. Grossman founded the Rye Learning Center in 1980, a multidisciplinary center for learning problems, in 1996 co-founded Integral Health Associates in New Paltz, New York, and in 1999 co-founded Natural Eye Care, Inc. His background includes degrees in Optometry, Biology, Physical Education and Learning Disabilities, coupled with yoga, bioenergetics, nutrition, Chinese medicine and acupuncture, the Alexander technique and Feldenkrais. He is co-author of half a dozen books on vision, including "Natural Eye Care: Your Guide to Health Vision and Healing" in 2019. Dr. Grossman takes an integrated approach to vision and its influence on the body, mind, and spirit. His lectures and private consultations are in high demand.

  1. 4d ago

    Glaucoma Patients: Your Eye Pressure Number Is Not The Villain

    Eye pressure is the number everyone remembers from an eye exam, but it’s not the whole glaucoma story. We dig into a question patients ask all the time: when is it actually important to lower intraocular pressure, and when is the bigger issue the health of the optic nerve itself? We use a simple picture to make it stick. Pressure is like water pushing on a basement wall, and the wall is your optic nerve. Lowering pressure can help, but strengthening and protecting the “wall” matters too.  We walk through what “normal” eye pressure really means (often 10 to 22 mmHg), why a reading above the range can raise concern, and why some people can still have glaucoma even when their pressure looks normal. That’s where OCT testing comes in. We explain why OCT imaging of the optic nerve is one of the most useful tools for catching thinning and early damage, and why we believe you should ask your eye doctor about it if you’re monitoring glaucoma risk.  We also break down the research that shaped modern glaucoma care, including major studies on normal tension glaucoma and advanced glaucoma, plus the idea of personalized target pressures rather than one magic number for everyone. We touch on real-life details that change decisions, like corneal thickness, cataracts, and daily IOP fluctuations, and we share why we’re excited about the future of at-home eye pressure monitoring. Finally, we talk about complementary, natural eye care options, including nutrients that may support circulation and optic nerve health and potentially help lower IOP alongside prescribed drops.  If this helps you see your eye pressure differently, subscribe, share the show with a friend, and leave a review so more people can protect their vision. For more information, visit naturaleyecare.com and drgrossman2020.com  Our email address is info@naturaleeycare.com.

  2. Oct 2

    B Vitamins and Multivitamins For Healthy Vision

    Aging puts real pressure on the retina, optic nerve, and tear system. We dig into a practical question many people over 60 are asking: can a daily multivitamin actually support healthy aging and day-to-day function, and does that translate into meaningful support for vision? We walk through new research on multivitamins and functional health, what the results do (and do not) prove, and why a basic supplement may help when appetite, food choices, medications, or digestion make it harder to cover nutrient needs. From there, we connect the dots between eye health and the nervous system. We explain why B vitamins matter for cellular energy, DNA support, and homocysteine balance, and why vitamin B12 gets special attention when you’re thinking about the optic nerve and glaucoma risk. You’ll hear how the retina and optic nerve rely on mitochondria, why NAD is a hot topic in aging science, and where compounds like nicotinamide, NMN, and NR fit into the conversation. We keep it grounded: promising mechanisms are not the same as proven treatments, and megadoses are not a shortcut. We also highlight research signals tied to age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and dry eye, including observational findings that link higher B12 intake with fewer dry eye symptoms. If you want a clear, realistic roadmap for natural eye care, nutrition for healthy vision, and targeted supplement thinking, you’ll leave with stronger questions to ask and smarter next steps to take. Subscribe, share this with someone focused on healthy aging, and leave a review so more people can find the show. Products mentioned in this episode: Dr. Grossman's Whole Food Organic Superfood Multi-Vitamin Wonderfeel NMN Capsules

  3. Sep 18

    How Does Cataract Surgery Work? The Basics

    Blurry, hazy vision that feels like you are looking through a dusty windshield can be more than “just getting older.” We walk through cataract surgery in plain language, starting with what a cataract actually is: the natural lens turns cloudy as proteins clump together, making colors look muted and lights at night feel harsh. When that cloudiness starts blocking daily life, surgery becomes the real solution, and understanding the steps can take a lot of the fear out of the decision. We explain what happens before the procedure, including the measurements used to pick the right intraocular lens (IOL) power and the eye drops that help prevent infection and control swelling. We also unpack common IOL options such as monofocal lenses, blended or progressive-style choices, and toric lenses for astigmatism, so you can show up to your consult with better questions and clearer priorities. Then we give you the play-by-play of the outpatient surgery itself: numbing drops, tiny corneal incisions, removing the cloudy lens, and placing a clear artificial lens, often without stitches. Recovery matters just as much as the procedure, so we cover practical cataract surgery recovery rules: use your drops as directed, avoid water and soap directly in the eye, do not rub or press, and protect the eye with a shield or glasses when advised. We also talk honestly about cataract surgery risks and side effects, including dry eye, glare and halos, and less common but serious complications. Finally, we explain “secondary cataracts,” also known as posterior capsular opacification, and how a quick YAG laser capsulotomy can restore clear vision. If you want more guidance, including integrative eye care ideas and help advocating for the best lens choice, subscribe, share this episode with someone considering cataract surgery, and leave a review with your biggest question. Old Intro

  4. Sep 3

    Alzheimer’s In The Eyes

    Clues about your brain health might be sitting in plain sight at the back of your eye. Let's dig into a surprising idea with big implications for healthy aging: Alzheimer’s disease may be visible in the eyes before classic memory symptoms appear. Because the retina is neural tissue, the eye and brain are deeply connected. This makes retinal changes a promising area for early Alzheimer’s screening and prevention-focused care. We walk through how retinal imaging works and why researchers are paying attention to amyloid beta plaque patterns in the retina. We also zoom out to the bigger clinical question: if early detection is possible, what can we do with that information? That leads us into an integrative medicine lens, including insights from Dr. Dale Bredesen’s work, in which plaque buildup can be viewed as a response to multiple stressors rather than a single cause. From there, we get practical. We cover potential drivers like chronic inflammation, blood-brain barrier disruption, free radical damage, environmental toxins and heavy metals, leaky gut, poor sleep, and obesity as a major modifiable dementia risk factor. We emphasize movement and exercise for cognition, call out trans fats as a clear “no,” and share a nutrition-forward strategy with brain-supportive foods (think avocados, blueberries, cold-water fish, mushrooms, green tea, walnuts) plus targeted nutrients often used in holistic eye care and cognitive support. The nutrients best for the brain are: acetyl L-carnitine, ashwagandha, cucamin, DHA, fish oils, ginkgo baloba, hydrogen water, NMN, phosphatidylserine, PQQ, N-acetylcysteine, resveratrol, olive leaf extract, and vinpocetine. All these nutrients can be found on naturaleycare.com. Eat a diet rich in the best brain foods: avocados, blueberries and other dark berries, dark grapes, dark chocolate, cold water fish, goji berries, green and black teas, reiki, shiitake & lion's mane mushrooms, pomegranates, prunes, pumpkin seeds, and walnuts. If you care about Alzheimer’s prevention, retinal scans, and actionable lifestyle steps that support both eye health and brain health, listen now, then subscribe, share this with a friend, and leave a review.

  5. Aug 20

    NMN For Eye Health

    NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is one of those behind-the-scenes molecules that quietly runs the show and when it drops with age, your energy, inflammation levels, and even eye function can feel the impact. We dig into NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide), the naturally occurring compound studied for longevity because it helps the body produce NAD+. If you’ve been curious about NMN supplements but want a clearer, grounded explanation, we walk through what it is, why it’s popular, and what the research is actually trying to solve. We also bring the conversation straight to vision. As a holistic optometrist, I’m always looking for connections between whole-body health and common eye problems that show up later in life, including macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts, and dry eye. We talk about why the retina is so energy-hungry, how mitochondrial function and inflammation can shape eye health, and why researchers are exploring NAD+ support as a potential lever for retinal resilience. You’ll hear why taking NAD directly by mouth may not be the most effective strategy, and why NMN is often discussed instead. Then we zoom in on the eye-specific findings that have people paying attention: preclinical evidence suggesting NMN may help reduce retinal inflammation, support mitochondrial performance, clear damaged cells, and even increase tear production. We also discuss what’s been reported around glaucoma, including observations of lower NMN levels and research exploring optic nerve protection and intraocular pressure support. If you care about healthy aging, natural eye care, and smart supplementation, this is a practical starting point for better questions and better choices. At the Natural Eye Care online store, we carry an NMN supplement called Wonderfeel NMN capsules, available at https://store.naturaleyecare.com/nmn-w.html Subscribe and leave a review if this helped, and share the episode with someone thinking about longevity and eye health.

  6. Aug 8

    Higher Vitamin C Levels May Signal A Healthier Brain

    Vitamin C gets treated like a one-note “immune vitamin,” but the real story is bigger and far more relevant to healthy aging. We dig into what ascorbic acid actually does in the body, from collagen production and blood vessel support to antioxidant protection that matters for high-demand tissues like the brain and the eyes. If you care about preserving vision, protecting your lens, and supporting long-term cognitive health, this conversation reframes vitamin C as a daily essential, not a seasonal add-on. We also walk through compelling research in older adults showing an association between lower plasma vitamin C levels and lower gray matter volume plus weaker connectivity in key brain networks tied to memory, attention, and self-reflection. That’s not proof of cause and effect, but it’s a strong signal that vitamin C status may be a useful biomarker for healthier brain aging. We keep it grounded by zooming out to the full nutrition and lifestyle picture, including omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, magnesium, vitamin E, carotenoids, exercise, sleep, blood sugar control, blood pressure control, and cognitive engagement. On the vision side, we explain why the eye is so vulnerable to oxidative stress from light exposure, high oxygen use, inflammation, and time. Vitamin C concentrates in the aqueous humor and lens, helping defend against protein damage linked with cataracts, and it supports collagen that helps maintain the structure of the cornea, vitreous, retina, and ocular blood vessels. We also cover how vitamin C fits into the AREDS nutrient formula for age-related macular degeneration progression and why glaucoma conversations often include oxidative stress and vascular support. You’ll leave with a clear list of vitamin C-rich foods, practical timing tips for a water-soluble vitamin, and a realistic view of where supplements may fit. Subscribe, share this with a friend who cares about eye health, and leave a review with your biggest question about vitamins for brain and vision aging. For more information, visit naturaleyecare.com and drgrossman2020.com  Our email address is info@naturaleeycare.com

  7. Jul 23

    Can a Free Discovery Call Help Your Eyes?

    Your vision is much more than just your eyes. Dr. Grossman starta from a surprising truth: embryologically and neurologically, the eye is brain tissue. Given that the brain has neuroplasticity, visual function could be more adaptable than many people realize. This opens the door to a broader, more hopeful way to think about eye health. We walk you through the two ways we can work together. The first step is a free 10 to 15 minute discovery call to find out whether our natural eye care and integrative optometry approach could help you protect your precious gift of sight. To sign up, visit https://www.drgrossman2020.com/ The second step is a deeper 45 minute to 1 hour consultation where we get specific, building protocols that may include eye exercises, lifestyle adjustments, targeted nutritional supplementation, and complementary tools like acupuncture, Chinese medicine, microcurrent stimulation, and homeopathy. We also say this clearly: sometimes regular medicine, medication, or surgery belongs in the plan. Integrative medicine means using the best of both at the same time. We also dig into why so many people are struggling with dry eye, cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration right now. Screen time, blue light exposure, chronic stress, nutrient-poor diets, and environmental toxins can all stress the visual system. You’ll hear how proper nutrition and key nutrients like macular carotenoids, antioxidants, omega-3s, and bioflavonoids fit into a holistic strategy, along with breath and mindset practices that heal the nervous system. If you want a clearer, more actionable roadmap for long-term eye health, subscribe, share this with a friend, and leave us a review.

  8. Jul 9

    Melanin Protects Your Retina More Than You Think

    Your eye color can change your day-to-day comfort in sunlight and it can hint at different long-term risks, but the real story is melanin. I’m Dr. Mark Grossman, an integrative medical optometrist and licensed acupuncturist, and I walk through what melanin is, how it functions as a natural pigment inside the eye, and why it acts like an internal shield against harmful light. We connect the science of eye pigment to practical outcomes: why darker eyes often block more UV and reduce internal glare, why lighter eyes can experience more light scatter and photophobia, and what that can mean for macular degeneration risk. We also discuss a noteworthy tradeoff mentioned by the American Academy of Ophthalmology about dark eyes and a slightly higher cataract risk, plus the higher risk of ocular uveal melanoma (a rare eye cancer) associated with lighter irises. From there, we get concrete about natural eye care and prevention. I explain melanin’s protective roles like absorbing UVA and UVB radiation, helping stabilize free radicals, and filtering glare across the retina. Then we shift into what you can control today: wearing 100% UV-blocking sunglasses, using a wide-brimmed hat outdoors, and even looking into melanin-based sunglasses, which block 100% of UVA/UVB rays and filter High-Energy Visible (HEV) blue light. Finally, we review nutrients and herbs that may influence our ability to build melanin, including green tea, turmeric, ginseng, lotus flour, fenugreek, and saffron, with a clear-eyed look at what’s promising versus what’s not yet proven. If you care about eye health, UV protection, and simple habits that support healthy vision, subscribe, share this with a friend, and leave a review. And, visit us at https://naturaleyecare.com/

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About

Leading Holistic Optometrist Dr. Marc R. Grossman, O.D., L.Ac. hosts the Natural Eye Care Podcast: approaches to vision problems, eye health, and overall health backed by research and his 40+ years of experience with patients. Most eye diseases strike seniors. Find out how lifestyle, diet, and nutrition can help maintain healthy vision and even improve eyesight. An Holistic Eye Doctor is dedicated to helping people with such conditions ranging from myopia and dry eyes to potentially vision-threatening diseases like macular degeneration and glaucoma. Dr. Grossman's podcasts cover a multi-disciplinary approach including nutrition, eye exercises, lifestyle changes, and Chinese Medicine. Dr. Grossman founded the Rye Learning Center in 1980, a multidisciplinary center for learning problems, in 1996 co-founded Integral Health Associates in New Paltz, New York, and in 1999 co-founded Natural Eye Care, Inc. His background includes degrees in Optometry, Biology, Physical Education and Learning Disabilities, coupled with yoga, bioenergetics, nutrition, Chinese medicine and acupuncture, the Alexander technique and Feldenkrais. He is co-author of half a dozen books on vision, including "Natural Eye Care: Your Guide to Health Vision and Healing" in 2019. Dr. Grossman takes an integrated approach to vision and its influence on the body, mind, and spirit. His lectures and private consultations are in high demand.

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