Inside the eye is a lens that focuses light on the back of the eye or the retina. Vision occurs at the retina. The structure of the eye is similar to a camera, which has a lens to focus light on the film. If the lens becomes opaque this is called a cataract.
What causes cataracts?
The most common cause of cataracts in the dog is inherited cataract formation. Other causes include injuries to the eye or diseases such as diabetes mellitus (sugar diabetes). Some cataracts appear to occur spontaneously and are age related.
Are some breeds more prone than others?
Many breeds of dogs are affected with hereditary cataracts. Some of the recognized breeds include the American Cocker, Labrador Retriever, French Poodle, Boston Terrier and the Welsh Springer Spaniel to mention a few.
Will my dog go blind?
If cataracts occupy less than 30% of the lens or if only one lens is affected, they rarely cause diminished vision. When the opacity covers about 60% of the total lens area, visual impairment is usually apparent. If the opacity progresses to 100% of the lens, the dog is blind. However, whether the cataract remains static or progresses will depend on the type of cataract, the breed and other risk factors.
Can anything be done to prevent my dog from going blind?
Veterinary ophthalmologists can remove cataracts and restore failing vision caused by cataracts in your pet. Most pets have few complications and return to normal activity, running and playing within just a few days of the surgery. Your veterinarian can arrange a referral appointment to an ophthalmologist to further evaluate your pet’s condition and determine appropriate treatment options.
How old will my dog be if he does go blind?
Since the major cause of cataract is hereditary, cataract progression varies from breed to breed and individual to individual. Cataracts will develop relatively early in life in some breeds while in others the first signs are detected when the dog is older and progression is so slow that dogs still have reasonable sight well into old age.
If the condition is hereditary, what can be done to prevent it from being passed on?
This is a situation where prevention is better than cure. Many veterinary ophthalmologists offer eye disease certification programs that offer breeders the opportunity to screen their breeding stock and make sure they are producing disease-free puppies.
