Southern Eye Institute

03/13/2026

Friday Funday at Southern Eye Institute!

Quick Eye Trivia for Your Friday Brain 🧠

Did you know the human eye can distinguish over 10 million different colors? 🌈

That means your eyes are working overtime every day — from spotting that perfect pair of shoes 👠 to noticing when your spouse moves the thermostat again. 😆

But here’s the serious part:

Many eye diseases like glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic eye disease can start without noticeable symptoms.

That’s why a comprehensive eye exam is so important — even when your vision seems perfectly fine.

👁️ Protect the amazing vision you were given.

📞 Houma: 985-872-5577
📞 Thibodaux: 985-448-3353
🌐 southerneyeinst.com

03/12/2026

We had a fun day in clinic today finding Demodex Mites, some were alive on the lashes. You can see it moving under the microscope!

03/12/2026

VALEDA® — THIS CHANGES EVERYTHING FOR DRY AMD‼🚨
(Dry Macular Degeneration Treatment)
For the first time in history, there is finally a real treatment for dry AMD that is not a vitamin, not “wait and watch.” and not an invasive shot.
🔥 Valeda® Light Therapy is the FIRST and ONLY FDA-approved treatment for Dry AMD that does not involve injections in your eye.
This revolutionary technology uses gentle, painless light to stimulate and re-energize your retinal cells — helping improve visual function and slow disease progression.
✔No injections.
✔No surgery.
✔No downtime.
Just advanced science designed to help preserve what matters most — your sight.
⌛️Every day you wait, AMD can continue to progress.
💫Every day sooner you act, you give your eyes a chance.
✨ Patients across the country are already experiencing the benefits.
Now it’s your turn.
🚀Protect your vision while you still can.
Dry AMD no longer means “nothing can
be done.”
Now, something can!
📞 Houma: 985-872-5577
📞 Thibodaux: 985-448-3353

03/11/2026

Macular Degeneration
Why Straight Lines Sometimes Start Looking Wavy?

Age‑related macular degeneration (AMD) affects the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp central vision. When it changes, everyday things like reading, recognizing faces, or seeing fine detail can become difficult.

One early sign people notice is straight lines appearing wavy or distorted — like door frames or text on a page.

Regular eye exams help detect macular degeneration early, often before vision changes become severe. Early monitoring and treatment can help protect vision.

If you’ve ever noticed distortion when reading or looking at lines on a page, it’s worth mentioning during your next eye visit.

03/09/2026

👁️✨ Monday Provider Spotlight: Dr. Janie Tran, OD

Some people stumble into their career path. Dr. Janie Tran chased hers with intention — across states, graduate programs, and years of focused training — all to serve patients with excellence and heart.

Dr. Tran earned her master’s degree in Cellular and Molecular Biology from Tulane University before completing her Doctor of Optometry degree at the University of Houston. That advanced science background means she understands eye health all the way down to the cellular level — and she brings that depth of knowledge into every exam room.

She stays active in the American Optometric Association, the Texas Optometric Association, and the Optometry Association of Louisiana, ensuring her patients benefit from the latest advances in eye care.

But what truly sets Dr. Tran apart? Her heart for people.

She regularly provides exams through our Community Outreach Program for uninsured patients and collaborates with Southern Eye Bank and Chabert Ophthalmology to fit specialty contact lenses for patients with complex corneal conditions — often giving hope to those who thought clear vision wasn’t possible.

At Southern Eye Institute, Dr. Tran combines big-city training with genuine compassion for every patient who walks through our doors. That’s what we call vision with purpose. 👓💙

📍 Serving Houma & Thibodaux
📞 Call today: Houma (985) 872-5577
📞 Call today: Thibodaux (985)448-3353

Southern Eye Institute — Professional Eye Care with a Hometown Touch.

03/09/2026

Myth: If You See Clearly, You Don’t Need an Eye Exam

Clear vision doesn’t always mean healthy eyes.

Many eye conditions — including glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, and macular degeneration — can begin without noticeable symptoms. By the time vision changes appear, damage may already have occurred.

That’s why comprehensive eye exams check much more than the letters on the chart. They evaluate the health of the retina, optic nerve, and other important structures.

When was your last full eye exam? If it’s been a while, it might be time to put your eye health back on the calendar.

03/05/2026

VALDEA® — THIS CHANGES EVERYTHING FOR DRY AMD 🚨
(Dry Macular Degeneration Treatment)

For the first time in history, there is finally a real treatment. Not a vitamin. Not “wait and watch.”
🔥 Valeda® Light Therapy is the FIRST and ONLY FDA-approved treatment for Dry AMD.
This revolutionary technology uses gentle, painless light to stimulate your retinal cells — helping improve visual function and slow disease progression.
✔No injections.
✔No surgery.
✔No downtime.
Just advanced science designed to help preserve what matters most — your sight.
⌛️Every day you wait, AMD can continue to progress.
💫Every day sooner you act, you give your eyes a chance.
✨ Patients across the country are already experiencing the benefits.
Now it’s your turn.
🚀Protect your vision while you still can.
Dry AMD no longer means “nothing can
be done.”
Now, something can!
📞 Houma: 985-872-5577
📞 Thibodaux: 985-448-3353

Trusted eye care in Houma & Thibodaux-Southern Eye Institute combines top doctors, advanced technology & compassionate eye care to protect your sight.

Dr. Kellum, Dr. Zeringue, Dr. Tran, & Dr. Huettemann.

03/03/2026

We apologize for any inconvenience; we have an unexpected professional obligation. The workshop has been moved to Friday, March 13th. Thanks so much for your understanding.

03/03/2026

▪️What Are Demodex Mites?

Demodex mites are microscopic organisms that naturally live on human skin, especially around hair follicles and eyelashes. They are extremely common—most adults have them, especially after age 40.

▪️What Is Blepharitis?

Blepharitis means inflammation of the eyelid margins. When caused by Demodex mites, the mites irritate the eyelash follicles and oil glands, leading to redness, irritation, and debris along the lashes.

One classic sign is collarettes, which look like dandruff-like debris or sleeves around the base of the eyelashes.
Common Symptoms

Patients with Demodex blepharitis may experience:

▪️Itchy eyelids (especially in the morning)
▪️Burning or stinging eyes
▪️Red eyelids
▪️Crusting around eyelashes
▪️Dry eyes or excessive tearing
▪️Gritty or sandy sensation
▪️Blurred vision that improves with blinking
▪️Eyelash loss or misdirected lashes
▪️Recurrent styes or chalazia

Treatment Options
1. Prescription Medications

New FDA-approved eye drops designed to eliminate Demodex mites
2. In-Office Treatments
▪️Professional eyelid cleaning procedures
▪️Treatments to improve oil gland function

3. At-Home Eyelid Hygiene
▪️Daily eyelid cleaning is essential
▪️Warm compresses for 5–10 minutes
▪️Gentle eyelid cleansing with doctor-recommended products
▪️Eyelid scrubs designed specifically for Demodex

The Good News:
Demodex blepharitis is very treatable. With proper diagnosis and treatment, most patients experience significant relief.

Southern Eye Institute
Houma: 985-872-5577
Thibodaux: 985-448-3353

Protecting and preserving your vision is our priority.

03/02/2026

👁️ Monday Provider Spotlight: Dr. Keith Kellum, MD

Before becoming one of South Louisiana’s most trusted eye surgeons, Dr. Keith Kellum actually began his academic journey at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. That curiosity and drive for excellence led him to pivot into medicine, graduating magna cm laude from The Ohio State University College of Medicine.

Today, with more than 30 years of experience, Dr. Kellum is a board-certified ophthalmologist and the founder of Southern Eye Institute, proudly serving Houma and Thibodaux. He completed his residency at the LSU Eye Center in New Orleans, where he was named Chief Resident — and he’s been building patient-first care ever since.

Dr. Kellum is also a published medical author, an active member of leading ophthalmology organizations, and participates in outreach programs that provide eye care to uninsured patients. He maintains affiliations with Terrebonne General Health System, bringing world-class connections to our local community.

Patients often describe him as knowledgeable, approachable, and yes — always ready with a laugh in the exam room and in the hallway between appointments.

📍 Serving Houma & Thibodaux
📞 Call to schedule: (985) 872-5577

Southern Eye Institute — Professional Eye Care with a Hometown Touch.

02/25/2026

Cataracts-

Glare from headlights isn’t always normal

If night driving feels harder than it used to, cataracts may be part of the reason. Clouding of the lens can scatter light and increase glare.

This often develops gradually, making it easy to overlook at first.

Routine exams help monitor lens clarity and keep you informed about changes.

Clear vision plays an important role in everyday safety.

02/24/2026

VALDEA® — THIS CHANGES EVERYTHING FOR DRY AMD 🚨

For the first time in history, there is finally a real treatment. Not a vitamin. Not “wait and watch.”

🔥 Valeda® Light Therapy is the FIRST and ONLY FDA-approved treatment for Dry AMD.

This revolutionary technology uses gentle, painless light to stimulate your retinal cells — helping improve visual function and slow disease progression.

✔No injections.
✔No surgery.
✔No downtime.

Just advanced science designed to help preserve what matters most — your sight.

⌛️Every day you wait, AMD can continue to progress.

💫Every day sooner you act, you give your eyes a chance.

✨ Patients across the country are already experiencing the benefits.
Now it’s your turn.

🚀Protect your vision while you still can.

Dry AMD no longer means “nothing can
be done.”

Now, something can!

📞 Houma: 985-872-5577
📞 Thibodaux: 985-448-3353