Question 1

When should I get an eye exam?

Accepted Answer

A routine eye exam is the first step in checking the health of your eyes, and they’re not only needed if you wear contact lenses or prescription glasses.

Depending on your age and health status, there are various timelines when you should start going to the eye doctor.

However, it is a good rule of thumb to visit the eye doctor at these intervals:

For children, they should visit the eye doctor for the first time before they enter kindergarten. After that, you should follow the guidelines of your provider for frequency.

For adults with no previous eye health issues or conditions, we recommend following the guidelines set forth by the American Academy of Ophthalmology which states that you should get an exam once in your 20’s and twice in your 30’s. At age 40 another complete exam should be performed and your eye doctor can advise you on how often you should be seen after this. After age 60 one should get checked every one to two years.

However, it is important to remember that there are exceptions to these guidelines.

For those with prescription glasses or contact lenses, it is recommended that you visit the eye doctor every year.

You should also be checked more frequently if you have:

A family history of eye disease or loss of vision

A chronic illness that puts you at greater risk of eye disease, such as diabetes or high blood pressure

Medications that may have serious eye side effects

Any ocular symptoms such as pain, redness, vision changes, or swelling

It is essential that you speak with your eye doctor to determine the exact frequency of visits to meet your eye health needs..

Question 2

Where should I get an eye exam?

Accepted Answer

Eye exams should be performed by a licensed eye doctor in a professional doctor’s office.

Although your primary care physician may be able to detect an irregularity in your eye, they cannot perform a full eye exam. In this case, you would be referred to an eye care professional.

Question 3

What is an eye doctor called?

Accepted Answer

There are two main types of eye doctors. They include:

Optometrists: medical doctors who perform complete eye exams, evaluate your vision, prescribe corrective lenses, diagnose common eye disorders, and treat various eye diseases. They also perform some office-based procedures.

Ophthalmologists: medical doctors who perform the same standard of care and procedures as optometrists. They differ by being able to treat complex eye conditions and can perform eye surgeries.

Question 4

What is the best way to remove contact lenses?

Accepted Answer

When removing contact lenses, we recommend that you follow these steps:

Wash your hands with soap and water.
Dry your hands thoroughly with a lint-free cloth or paper towel.
Place a towel under the area you plan to remove the lenses in case it drops out of your eye.
Using your non-dominant hand, open your eye’s upper and lower lid.
Use your index finger and thumb to gently pinch the contact lens off of your eye with your dominant hand.
Repeat these steps with the second eye.

If step 5 does not work, try this alternative version:

Look up and away from the bottom of your eye. Use your index finger on your dominant hand to lightly press down on the lens and drag it down from your eye toward your bottom lid. Once it’s off your cornea, use your thumb and forefinger to pinch it completely off your eye.

Question 5

What is the best way to put in contact lenses?

Accepted Answer

To place contact lenses on your eyes properly, follow these steps:

Wash your hands with soap and water.
Dry your hands thoroughly with a lint-free cloth or paper towel.
Place a towel under the area you plan to insert the lenses in case you drop them.
Open your contact lens case and use the fingertip of your pointer finger on your dominant hand to place the contact lens in the palm of your non-dominant hand.
Rinse the lens with a contact lens solution.
Place the contact lens on the top of your index or middle finger and check for any tears, imperfections, or irregularities. If the lens is damaged in any way, do not use it.
Using a mirror, look straight ahead or up and slowly place the lens on your eye.
Close your eyes slowly and press gently on your eyelid to settle the lens in place.
Blink a few times to ensure it is comfortable.
Repeat these steps with the second eye.

Question 6

How long does LASIK last?

Accepted Answer

LASIK works by permanently reshaping the front of your eyes, and that change cannot wear off.

However, some eyes will regress over time and may need an enhancement or touch up with the laser. This is more common with larger starting visual errors that require more reshaping of the eye.

Also, as we age, normal changes in our vision often occur, and LASIK does not stop these from happening.

For most, LASIK can last ten years or longer, but everyone’s a little different.

Question 7

Does insurance cover LASIK?

Accepted Answer

LASIK is an elective surgery and is not typically covered by insurance plans. However, we offer affordable financing options, including CareCredit for patients in the US and Canada.

Question 8

How much is an eye exam without insurance?

Accepted Answer

The typical cost for an eye exam without insurance is between $100-$200 based on the procedure requirements. To determine the exact cost, please call 225-396-3178.

Question 9

What should you not do before an eye exam?

Accepted Answer

There is no specific preparation required for an eye exam, but we recommend avoiding:

Eye overexertion caused by excessive screen time on a smartphone or computer.
Alcohol or caffeine consumption.

If you will be dilated at the exam it is a good idea to not plan to do anything requiring clear vision for a few hours as the dilation can cause temporary blurring of your sight.

Question 10

What is the most common serious eye disease?

Accepted Answer

The most common eye diseases include:

Dry eye
Diabetic retinopathy
Cataracts
Glaucoma
Macular Degeneration

Eye diseases and conditions can appear at any time but may be more common in patients with other underlying health or eye conditions or a family history of eye disease.

Knowing the signs and symptoms are imperative to early diagnosis and effective treatment. In addition, regular eye exams help mitigate the risk of developing serious eye diseases.

Frequently Asked Questions for Eye Specialists of Louisiana

Let’s explore some of the most common FAQs