Eyes On - The Silent Epidemic No One Sees Coming: How Overstimulation Is Destroying Our Eyes & Brains
Welcome back to Uncover Your Eyes with Dr. Meenal! Join us as we uncover our lives as healthcare professionals.
In this eye-opening episode of the Uncover Your Eyes podcast, Dr. Meenal Agarwal breaks down the real cause: eye–brain overstimulation. Watch the video episode on YouTube and listen to the audio episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and your other favorite podcast spots – follow and leave a 5-star review if you’re enjoying the show!
- Episode Summary & Player
- Show Notes
- Learn more about Uncover Your Eyes with Dr. Meenal
- Learn more about Dr. Meenal Agarwal
Uncover Your Eyes with Dr. Meenal Episode #88: Eyes On - The Silent Epidemic No One Sees Coming: How Overstimulation Is Destroying Our Eyes & Brains
If you feel fried, unfocused, or unmotivated, there’s a reason — and it has nothing to do with laziness.
In this eye-opening episode of the Uncover Your Eyes podcast, Dr. Meenal Agarwal breaks down the real cause: eye–brain overstimulation.
Our visual system was never designed for constant scrolling, notifications, and near-work. The result? A brain stuck in micro-stimulation loops, a nervous system in threat mode, and eyes that never truly rest.
This is essential listening for anyone in healthcare, wellness, mental health, self-advocacy, or anyone who wants to protect their brain and vision in a screen-heavy world.
Here’s a small sample of what you will hear in this episode:
- How central vision, rods & cones, and the visual cortex actually work
- Why overstimulation mimics addiction pathways
- What triggers the brain’s threat response
- How screen-driven burnout harms mental & physical health
- Simple tools to reset your eyes, brain, and nervous system today
Subscribe to Uncover Your Eyes on your favorite podcast platform and YouTube, and learn more about Dr. Meenal on Instagram @Dr.MeenalAgarwal.
Show Notes
- Eyes On - The Silent Epidemic No One Sees Coming: How Overstimulation Is Destroying Our Eyes & Brains
- [0:16] Welcome to Uncover Your Eyes with Dr. Meenal
- [1:13] How screen time overstimulates your nervous system
- [1:42] Understanding foveal vision: The central 10 degrees
- [3:07] Peripheral vision and the "what" vs. "where" pathways
- [5:01] Why losing peripheral awareness triggers a threat response
- [6:22] The dopamine loop: How screens act like a drug
- [7:48] What the science shows: Studies on prolonged near work
- [8:44] How your brain becomes less three-dimensional
- [9:39] Why we're lost without GPS: 93% dependency rate
- [10:07] The 20-20-20 rule: A simple fix for eye strain
- [11:04] The color walk trend: Rebuilding spatial awareness
- [12:27] The coming epidemic: Why we must act now
- Subscribe to Uncover Your Eyes on your favorite podcast platform and YouTube, and learn more about Dr. Meenal on Instagram @Dr.MeenalAgarwal
- Theme Song: “Upbeat Motivational Pop Rock” by Alexey Anisimov
What is Uncover Your Eyes with Dr. Meenal?
Thanks for listening to Uncover Your Eyes with Dr. Meenal. Being an eye doctor makes life easy, right? Not so fast. Join us as we uncover our lives as healthcare professionals. In each episode, you will face reality and vulnerability. You’ll hear how to manage your wellbeing, culture, and physical and mental health. You’ll also navigate self-improvement and professional development, all while uncovering innovation in patient care from experts in our healthcare system. Let’s do this while keeping it “real” and authentic. Hosted by Dr. Meenal Agarwal, Expert Optometrist, Entrepreneur, Speaker, and Mom of 3.
Who is Dr. Meenal Agarwal?
With three clinics in Toronto and sought-after experience, Dr. Meenal Agarwal is an expert in vision and eyecare innovation. She is a leading voice on patient care, technology, professional development, and wellness in the healthcare industry.