SHREVEPORT, La., May 21, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In recognition of Healthy Vision Month, Shreveport Eye Clinic has released information on the importance of regular eye exams. These exams allow eye doctors to spot problems before they get worse, monitor existing issues, and ensure that patients have the most up-to-date prescription information if they need glasses or contacts.

Comprehensive eye exams are the foundation blocks of a good eye health program. They allow doctors to see what is really going on inside the eye, and if any problems are found, the information from the exam guides treatment plans. Unfortunately, many people get them either too rarely or not at all. If problems develop, this delayed detection results in vision deterioration that may not have had to take place. Often, such deterioration is permanent.

Suggested intervals for comprehensive eye care exams vary, with some suggesting a repeat frequency as soon as every six months and others suggesting an interval of one or two years between these evaluations. Most eye doctors will make a solid determination about which interval to suggest after first examining a new patient. After the first exam, the current condition of the eyes is used to guide a firm suggestion as to when to come back for another assessment.

"A comprehensive eye exam is not like the ones used to simply determine a patient's glasses or contacts prescription. While visual acuity is still measured, we also look at the retina to see if there is any disease or injury present, check for cataracts, test for glaucoma, and examine the eye for any other problems. This gives us a full view of the health of each of the patient's eyes and allows us to find issues before they show up in the form of obvious vision problems," explained Mary Catherine Clemons, M.D. of Shreveport Eye Clinic.

One of the reasons people shy away from comprehensive exams is the fact that they involve pupil dilation. However, eye doctors note that dilated pupils are temporary, while the effects of untreated eye disease often last a lifetime. Some eye diseases even result in permanent blindness. Therefore, the eye exam is a minor inconvenience in comparison, even when the yearly exam schedule is prescribed.

True comprehensive eye exams are offered by ophthalmologists at Shreveport Eye Clinic. These eye care physicians are also able to provide more advanced treatments than optometrists, such as various types of eye surgery.

About Shreveport Eye Clinic

This eye care center is home to several ophthalmologists and offers a wide variety of advanced care and treatment options. It also provides comprehensive eye exams to patients of all ages.

Visit their website at http://shreveporteyeclinic.com/ for more information on their eye care and eye surgery services.

Shreveport Eye Clinic
471 Ashley Ridge #300
Shreveport, LA  71106
(318) 861-4009