Susan Summerton OD, CNS, DACBN

05/02/2026

Discover the truth about omega-3, brain health, anti-aging eye treatments, and total body transformation—straight from the doctors.

Today’s episode of Ask the Dr was hosted by Dr. Michael Lange, alongside Dr. Susan Summerton, with special guest Dr. John Poser, who added expert insight into aesthetics and anti-aging.

We kicked off the show celebrating the Kentucky Derby and recognizing Ocala as a premier hub for world-class thoroughbred horses. We also sent well wishes to everyone enjoying the New Orleans Jazz Festival.

Key Topics Covered:
The Truth About Omega-3 Fish Oil
A deep dive into why rTG (re-esterified triglyceride) omega-3 is far superior to the common ethyl ester (EE) form found in most supplements. Learn why absorption, purity, and effectiveness matter when choosing your omega-3.

Brain Health, Mood & Cognitive Decline
The doctors discussed natural ways to help reduce the risk of cognitive decline, dementia, and depression:

• Targeted nutrition
• Smart supplementation
• Exercise and lifestyle strategies
• Natural mood enhancement techniques

Non-Surgical Eye Rejuvenation & Anti-Aging
We explored advanced, non-invasive options to improve the appearance and function of the eyes:

• Upneeq for lifting droopy eyelids
• Peptide-based eye creams like OneSkin for smoother, healthier skin
• Nutritional support such as Fortifeye Rejuvenate for skin, hair, nails, and joints

💡 Advanced Technology Spotlight:
At the Lange Eye Institute, the doctors discussed the powerful benefits of Lumenis OptiLift — a cutting-edge treatment combining dynamic muscle stimulation with radiofrequency.

This technology helps:

• Strengthen the orbicularis oculi muscle (improving blink power)
• Reduce lower eyelid laxity
• Allow more complete eyelid closure
• Improve dry eye symptoms naturally
• Enhance the overall aesthetic appearance of the periorbital area

Both Dr. Lange and Dr. Summerton are highly experienced in using this innovative treatment to improve both function and cosmetic outcomes.

Creatine for Brain & Body
A powerful segment focused on Creatine, especially Creapure®, highlighting benefits for:

• Cognitive performance
• Mood and depression support
• Muscle strength and endurance

Weight Loss & Full Body Transformation
We wrapped up with the Fortifeye Fit Transformation System, combining:

• Fortifeye Fit Meal
• Fortifeye Rejuvenate
• Creatine + myoHMB + Vitamin D

Designed to help:

• Burn fat
• Build lean muscle
• Improve total body health and appearance

Plus, we took live caller questions and delivered real-world, practical solutions you can u

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04/14/2026

Not all eye exams are created equally.

This National Public Health Week, we’re raising awareness about the difference between online eye tests and in-person comprehensive eye exams.

While apps may seem convenient, they can’t detect serious eye and health conditions like glaucoma, diabetes, or hypertension—and may give a false sense of security.

👁️Your eyes deserve more than a screen.
📄Learn why comprehensive eye exams matter in the resource below.
�https://www.aoa.org/AOA/Documents/Healthy%20Eyes/For%20Teachers/Online%20Eye%20Tests_Infographic.pdf

04/12/2026

💊👁️ Certain Medications May Increase Risk of Eye Inflammation (Uveitis)

A large review of FDA adverse event data (7,300+ cases) identified 13 commonly used systemic medications** linked to higher reports of uveitis, an inflammatory eye condition that can affect vision.

🔎 Medications with the strongest signals included:

* Antivirals (like cidofovir)
* Antibiotics (like rifabutin, moxifloxacin)
* Biologic drugs (used for autoimmune diseases)
* Cancer therapies (MEK & BRAF inhibitors, immunotherapies)

⚠️ Important context:
These findings do NOT prove the drugs directly cause uveitis—in many cases, the underlying diseases (like infections, autoimmune conditions, or cancer) may also contribute to eye inflammation.

👥 Who may be at higher risk?

* Patients with autoimmune or inflammatory conditions
* Those with a history of uveitis
* Individuals on multiple immune-modulating or cancer therapies

👨‍⚕️ Takeaway

* Be aware of eye symptoms (redness, pain, light sensitivity, blurred vision)
* Monitor more closely when using these medications
* Early detection = better outcomes

✅ Bottom line: If you’re on systemic medications—especially for infections, autoimmune disease, or cancer—don’t ignore new eye symptoms. Protecting your vision starts with awareness.

04/12/2026

🚬 Smoking & Your Vision: What You Need to Know

A major new study of over 12 million patients confirms what eye doctors have long suspected—smoking significantly increases your risk of serious, vision-threatening eye diseases.

Here’s what the research found over a 10-year period:

👁️ Higher risk of multiple eye conditions:

* Cataracts (especially more aggressive types)
* Glaucoma (including angle-closure and eye pressure issues)
* Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
* Uveitis (inflammatory eye disease)
* Diabetic retinopathy & retinal vascular issues

📊 Some risks were nearly 2–2.5x higher in smokers compared to non-smokers.

💡 Why?
Smoking increases oxidative stress, reduces antioxidants, damages blood flow, and creates inflammation—all of which can harm delicate eye structures.

✅ The good news: Smoking is a modifiable risk factor—quitting can help protect not just your lungs and heart, but your sight too.

👀 Bottom line: If you smoke, your eyes are at risk. If you quit, your eyes benefit.

This study aims to explore the link between smoking and vision-threatening ocular conditions by analyzing the risk magnitude for the major ocular conditions.

04/11/2026

Today’s episode of Ask the Dr. was hosted by Dr. Michael Lange and Dr. Susan Summerton, focusing on wellness, anti-aging, weight loss, and cutting-edge nutrition.

We took a deep dive into the all-new Fortifeye Fit Meal, discussing why it may be one of the most advanced and fully transparent meal replacements on the market. Unlike many products, Fortifeye Fit Meal clearly discloses every ingredient, with nothing sourced from China—giving consumers confidence in quality and purity.

We also highlighted Tony’s incredible transformation—losing over 250 pounds naturally (from 530 lbs to 270 lbs) with the help of Dr. Lange, the Lange Survival Diet, Fortifeye Fit Meal, and Fortifeye Fit Pro.

Key topics from today’s show include:

• The ideal daily step count (7,000–8,700 steps) to reduce mortality and cognitive decline
• How just 60 minutes of resistance training per week can significantly improve longevity and brain health
• The dangers of artificial sweeteners on the gut microbiome and liver
• Why Fortifeye Vitamins avoids all artificial ingredients
• The benefits of saffron for mood, focus, and cognitive support
• The importance of lutein and zeaxanthin (from food or supplements like Fortifeye Focus) after cataract surgery to help protect the macula from blue light exposure
• Why weight loss ultimately comes down to simple math—burn more calories than you consume, while maintaining adequate protein intake to preserve muscle mass We discussed Fortifeye Next Gen Curcumin as being one of the top curcumin supplements on the market and the only oleoresin food grade supplement with curcumin.

We also previewed next week’s special guest, Jay from Eyedaptic, who will discuss innovative smart glasses designed to help patients with low vision regain independence.

Plus, we touched on the latest designer eyewear now available at the Lange Eye Institute, including handcrafted Dutch and Swedish frames.

This episode is packed with practical, science-based strategies to help you live longer, stronger, and healthier. learn more at www.fortifeye.com

https://www.youtube.com/live/Y8BjuVt6BnM?si=-K1If4Ae2chx3JDM

Today’s episode of Ask the Dr. was hosted by Dr. Michael Lange and Dr. Susan Summerton, focusing on wellness, anti-aging, weight loss, and cutting-edge nutri...

04/11/2026

03/29/2026

What is the best meal replacement for weight loss? Can you really lose weight fast and stay healthy long term?

On today’s episode of Ask the Dr, hosted by Dr. Michael Lange and Dr. Susan Summerton, we break down the science behind fat loss, longevity nutrition, and high-performance meal replacements.

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS VIDEO:
• Best meal replacement for fat loss
• How to lose weight fast safely
• Why protein, fat, and fiber matter for metabolism
• The truth about vegan vs carnivore diets
• How to improve nutrient absorption naturally
• Anti-inflammatory nutrition for recovery and longevity

THE NEW FORTIFEYE FIT MEAL
We introduce Fortifeye Fit Meal, one of the only fully transparent meal replacements on the market:
• No proprietary blends
• Made in the USA
• Nothing sourced from China

Formulated with:
• Grass-fed whey protein concentrate (better absorption + immunoglobulins)
• Healthy fats to improve absorption of fat-soluble vitamins
• Vitamins, fruits, plant extracts, fiber, enzymes, probiotics
• Natural fat-burning ingredients

Designed for fat loss, muscle preservation, and metabolic health.

THE BEST DIET FOR LONGEVITY
New research suggests extreme diets may not be ideal:
• Strict vegan diets
• Strict carnivore diets

Instead, we recommend a balanced approach like the Lange Survival Diet:
• Organic vegetables and fruits
• Clean animal proteins (grass-fed beef, wild Alaskan salmon, pasture-raised eggs)

CURCUMIN FOR RECOVERY & INFLAMMATION
We also discuss Fortifeye Next Gen Curcumin with Curcugen®, a highly bioavailable form of curcumin shown to:
• Reduce inflammation
• Improve post-workout recovery
• Support overall health and longevity

REAL RESULTS:
Dr. Lange shares his personal results:
• Used Fit Meal once daily
• Ate two clean meals (high protein + vegetables)

Result: 13-pound weight loss in 5 days

KEY TAKEAWAYS:
• Fat is essential for vitamin absorption
• Whey concentrate may outperform isolate for real-world nutrition
• Balance beats extreme dieting
• Weight management is critical for long-term health

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

03/13/2026

The review Role of lifestyle modifications in glaucoma evaluates how lifestyle factors influence glaucoma risk and progression and whether lifestyle modification can support conventional glaucoma treatment.

1. Exercise
*Regular aerobic exercise can lower intraocular pressure (IOP) temporarily and may improve ocular blood flow.
* Moderate physical activity is generally beneficial for glaucoma patients.
* Isometric or heavy weightlifting may transiently increase IOP.

2. Diet and Nutrition
Certain dietary patterns may support optic nerve health:
*Antioxidant-rich foods (fruits, vegetables) may protect retinal ganglion cells.
* Omega-3 fatty acids and nutrients such as vitamins A, C, and E may provide neuroprotective effects.
* High caffeine intake can cause short-term increases in IOP, especially in susceptible individuals.

3. Body Position and Daily Habits
* Head-down positions (e.g., certain yoga poses) can significantly increase IOP.
* Sleeping posture may influence IOP, with some evidence suggesting head elevation may reduce nocturnal pressure.

4. Smoking and Alcohol
Smoking is associated with vascular compromise and may worsen glaucoma risk.
* Evidence on alcohol is inconsistent; any IOP-lowering effect appears temporary.

5. Stress and Sleep
* Stress and poor sleep quality may negatively influence glaucoma through vascular or hormonal pathways.

* Lifestyle changes cannot replace medical or surgical glaucoma therapy, but they may complement treatment and potentially slow disease progression.
* Evidence quality varies, and more controlled studies are needed to confirm the clinical impact of lifestyle interventions.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41809163/?fc=20240423213809&ff=20260311101512&v=2.19.0.post6+133c1fe&utm_source=chatgpt.com "Role of lifestyle modifications in glaucoma: A systematic review - PubMed"

While lowering IOP remains the cornerstone of glaucoma treatment, there is growing interest in the role of lifestyle choices in influencing disease progression. Adopting healthier habits may serve as a valuable addition to existing treatment plans. More clinical research is needed to better understa...

02/14/2026

n this episode, the doctors kick things off with a discussion about Mardi Gras, Fat Tuesday, Ash Wednesday, Lent, and the journey to Easter. Dr. Lange reminds everyone to enjoy the celebrations—but to do so responsibly and protect your health.

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT:

Join us for the Lange Eye Institute Mardi Gras Festival

February 21st | 10 AM – 2 PM

We invite the entire community to come out, celebrate, and learn more about eye health, nutrition, and wellness.

CATARACTS & NUTRITION
Dr. Lange and Dr. Summerton discuss why diabetics are more prone to cataracts, explaining the role of elevated blood sugar, oxidative stress, and glycation in damaging the lens of the eye. They also review nutritional strategies that may help support lens clarity and overall eye health.

OPTILIGHT IPL & OPTILIFT RESULTS

The doctors share what they are seeing after over a year of treating patients with OptiLight and OptiLift technologies, including improvements in dry eye symptoms, eyelid function, and blink dynamics. These innovative therapies are showing promising results for patients suffering from dry eye disease.

GLAUCOMA – THE SILENT THIEF OF SIGHT
During a live caller discussion, the doctors emphasize that glaucoma often has no early warning signs. They stress the importance of routine comprehensive eye exams to detect glaucoma early and prevent vision loss.

They explain how glaucoma is diagnosed, including:

• Eye pressure testing

• Optic nerve evaluation

• Visual field testing

• OCT imaging

GLAUCOMA & WHOLE-BODY HEALTH
The discussion expands into how systemic health impacts glaucoma, including:

• Ocular perfusion pressure (blood flow to the optic nerve)

• The dangers of blood pressure that is too low

• How sleeping more than 9 hours may negatively affect glaucoma

• The impact of sleep apnea on optic nerve health

NATURAL SUPPORT FOR EYE HEALTH

Dr. Lange and Dr. Summerton discuss nutritional and lifestyle strategies that may support healthy vision and circulation, including:

• Omega-3 fatty acids

• Antioxidants

• Carotenoids

• Proper hydration and electrolyte balance

• Lifestyle choices to support healthy blood flow to the eye

LIVE CALLS & HIGH ENERGY SHOW

This episode was filled with great caller questions, practical advice, and real-world clinical insights from decades of experience helping patients protect their vision.

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02/08/2026

Dr. Michael Lange and Dr. Susan Summerton hosted Ask the Dr this morning from Salem Media, opening the show with a discussion on the power of proper nutrition and the importance of consuming adequate protein in the morning to support metabolism, muscle health, energy, and brain function.

During a caller discussion, Dr. Lange emphasized the importance of xanthophyll carotenoids, particularly lutein and zeaxanthin, which play a critical role in protecting the macula and supporting long-term visual performance. The doctors also discussed cholesterol and statin medications, and how these drugs may interfere with the absorption of fat-soluble nutrients, including lutein and zeaxanthin. Dr. Lange recommends Fortifeye Focus for anyone who spends extended time on computers or digital devices, as these carotenoids help protect the macula from blue-light damage.

Both doctors highlighted what Dr. Lange described as a missing nutrient in today’s Standard American Diet—black currant seed oil. Unlike most oils, black currant seed oil naturally contains omega-6 (GLA), omega-3 (ALA), and omega-9 fatty acids, making it a uniquely balanced essential fat source. Dr. Lange explained that GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) is particularly lacking in modern diets and plays a key role in controlling inflammation, supporting dry eye, skin health, joint comfort, and overall cellular function. Fortifeye Black Currant Seed Oil / GLA was discussed as an effective way to restore this critical fatty acid balance.

The show also addressed nutrition strategies for constipation, discussed eye floaters and warning signs to be aware of, and offered practical guidance for improving overall systemic and ocular health.

Dr. Lange took time to express gratitude to several mentors from Louisiana who helped shape his career, including Dr. Richard K. Lange (his father), Dr. Charlie Glazer of St. Charles Vision, and Dr. Steve Brint of Eye Surgery Center of Louisiana.

The program concluded with an in-depth segment on dry eye disease, focusing on two advanced technologies designed for more resistant cases—Lumenis OptiLight and OptiLift, available exclusively at the Lange Eye Institute. Dr. Summerton also discussed the benefits of appropriate light exposure for memory, energy, and concentration, while emphasizing the importance of limiting digital screen time at night to support restorative sleep.

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

02/02/2026

In the second part of today’s Ask the Doctor, Dr. Michael Lange and Dr. Susan Summerton discussed exciting advancements in photobiomodulation therapy and its expanding role in both eye and systemic health.

We explained what photobiomodulation therapy (PBM) is and how it works. PBM uses specific wavelengths of low-level red and near-infrared light to stimulate mitochondrial function, increase cellular energy (ATP), improve circulation, and reduce inflammation. As more companies bring this technology to market, increased competition is expected to drive costs down, making this promising therapy more accessible to patients.

Dr. Lange and Dr. Summerton shared their enthusiasm for photobiomodulation therapy as a supportive treatment option for macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and dry eye disease. Dr. Kane has noted that when diet and supplementation are optimized, this technology may work even more effectively, reinforcing the importance of combining advanced technology with proper nutrition.

Dr. Summerton also weighed in on chelation therapy, explaining how reducing toxic metal burden and oxidative stress may further support cellular health, circulation, and inflammation control. When used appropriately and combined with nutrition and lifestyle optimization, chelation therapy may enhance overall systemic and ocular health.

An important discussion followed on the often-overlooked connection between dry eye disease and atrial fibrillation (AFib). Dr. Lange explained that many patients with both conditions commonly share deficiencies in:
• Magnesium
• Potassium
• Sodium chloride
• Omega-3 fatty acids
• Hydration

These deficiencies may contribute to inflammation, nerve dysfunction, poor tear quality, impaired circulation, and cardiac rhythm instability.

🌿 NATURAL SUPPORT FOR DRY EYE & ATRIAL FIBRILLATION

Dr. Lange and Dr. Summerton reviewed natural strategies that may help support both dry eye and AFib, including:
• Proper hydration with high-quality water
• Restoring electrolyte balance (magnesium, potassium, sodium chloride)
• Consistent intake of omega-3 fatty acids
• Anti-inflammatory nutrition
• Targeted supplementation when appropriate

We also discussed Fortifeye Complete, which serves as a high-quality multivitamin and eye vitamin all in one, helping simplify supplementation while supporting both ocular and systemic health.

This episode highlights the importance of integrating nutrition, lifestyle changes, supplementation, chelation strategies, and emerging technologies to support long-term eye health, heart health, and overall wellness.

Thank you for listening to Ask the Doctor, where science, nutrition, and real-world clinical experience come together.

In the second part of today’s Ask the Doctor, Dr. Michael Lange and Dr. Susan Summerton discussed exciting advancements in photobiomodulation therapy and its...