FAQ in Covington & Slidell

General Eye Care

What services do you offer at Louisiana Eye Specialists?

We provide complete eye care — from vision exams and glasses prescriptions to advanced treatment for cataracts, corneal conditions, and complex surgical cases. Our team includes both optometrists and ophthalmologists, so you get well-rounded care no matter your needs.

Do I need a referral to see a specialist?

Not usually. Most of our patients come directly to us. Some insurance plans do require a referral, though — feel free to call our office and we’ll help you check your coverage.

What’s the difference between an optometrist and an ophthalmologist?

Optometrists handle eye exams, glasses, contacts, and many common conditions. Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who manage more complex diseases and perform surgeries like cataract and cornea procedures. We have both on staff, so you’re always in good hands.

How often should I get my eyes checked?

Under 40: every 2 years. Ages 40–64: every 1–2 years. 65 and up: every year. If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of eye disease, you may need more frequent visits.

Do you accept insurance?

Yes! We work with nearly all local and national insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid. Please call our office at for specific questions, and we’re happy to help you understand your benefits.

Cataracts & Surgery

What are cataracts, and how do I know if I have them?

Cataracts are a clouding of your eye’s natural lens, often due to aging. Symptoms include blurry vision, glare, faded colors, and trouble seeing at night. Cataracts are very common — and very treatable.

What is cataract surgery like?

It’s usually a straightforward outpatient procedure. We remove the cloudy lens and replace it with a clear artificial one (IOL). Most people notice clearer vision within a few days, and recovery is typically smooth. Collectively, our surgeons have over 60 years of combined surgical experience across five surgery locations.

What are my options for lens implants during cataract surgery?

Options include a monofocal lens for good distance vision, a toric lens to also correct astigmatism, a multifocal lens for clearer vision at multiple distances, the Light Adjustable Lens for post-surgical customization, or a specialty implant for unique eye conditions. We’ll go over all your options and help you decide together.

I had LASIK or PRK years ago — can I still get cataract surgery?

Yes, absolutely. We specialize in post-refractive surgery cases, which require more detailed planning, and use advanced diagnostics to choose the best lens and ensure a successful outcome.

I had cataract surgery somewhere else but I’m not happy with the results. Can you help?

Yes. We frequently see patients who aren’t satisfied with their surgical outcomes. Whether it’s a lens alignment issue or persistent vision problems, we can re-evaluate and help improve your results.

Cornea & Specialized Procedures

What is PRK, and how is it different from LASIK?

PRK reshapes the cornea using the same type of laser as LASIK, but without creating a corneal flap. This lowers the risk of flap-related complications and is often a better fit for thinner corneas or a tendency toward dry eyes. Recovery takes a bit longer than LASIK, but final results are typically just as strong.

What is corneal cross-linking?

Corneal cross-linking strengthens the cornea using a combination of riboflavin drops and UV light. It’s commonly used to treat keratoconus and other conditions that weaken the cornea, helping to halt progression and preserve vision.

What is DSAEK, and how is it different from a full cornea transplant?

DSAEK replaces only the diseased inner layer of the cornea rather than the full thickness, typically resulting in faster healing and fewer sutures than traditional full-thickness corneal transplantation.

What if I’ve been told I have a “complex cornea”?

We specialize in complex corneal conditions, including keratoconus, scarring, and post-surgical corneas. Our lead surgeon is a fellowship-trained cornea specialist with the tools and experience to safely manage these more challenging cases.

I’m unhappy with a previous LASIK, PRK, or cataract surgery from another practice. Can you help?

Yes — this is one of the most common reasons patients choose us for a second opinion. We re-evaluate your eyes, discuss what may have happened, and walk through what options are still available to you.

Pediatric Eye Care

Do you offer pediatric eye care?

Yes! We see kids for everything from routine eye exams to managing vision issues like amblyopia (lazy eye) and eye coordination problems. Regular vision checks are especially important during school years.

At what age should my child have their first eye exam?

We recommend a comprehensive eye exam by age one, then again before starting school. Early detection of vision problems helps prevent developmental delays and learning difficulties.

How do I know if my child needs glasses?

Common signs include squinting, sitting too close to screens, frequent eye rubbing, or complaints about headaches or blurry vision. If you notice any of these, schedule an exam so we can check their eyesight.

What is amblyopia, and how is it treated?

Amblyopia (lazy eye) happens when one eye doesn’t develop proper vision. It’s often treated with patching, eye drops, or glasses. Early treatment — especially before age seven — leads to better outcomes.