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Surgery
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Cataract
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Corneal Surgery: Corneal
laceration, corneal ulceration, corneal
perforation, corneal transplantation,
corneal sequestrum.
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The word "Cataract"
means that the lens in the eye has become white. The lens in the eye allows
light to travel through the eye and reach the retina (the light receptors
of the eye). Any opacity of the lens will decrease vision. Observant owners
will observe that the pupil appears blue-grey rather than dark.
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| Dry
Eye Surgery: Parotid
Duct Transposition. |
The
common presenting history includes gradual or sudden onset of visual problems.
In most animals the onset is gradual, although some dogs affected with diabetes
have a very sudden loss of vision. Some dogs with a sudden onset also have
marked inflammation (uveitis) in the eye; this type of inflammation is called
lens-induced-uveitis and is due to protein leaking from the lens into the
eye itself. If a pet has cataract and inflammation in the eye aggressive
anti-inflammatory medications are necessary to control the inflammation.
Long standing intraocular inflammation may also result in cataract; this
is especially true in cats and horses. |
| Eyelid
Surgery: Entropion, Eyelid
Tumors, Eyelash disorders,
Eyelid Coloboma, Eyelid Defects. |
| Lens
Surgery: Cataract surgery, Lens
Luxation. |
Animals
of all ages may develop a cataract. In general young dogs with cataract
have an inherited cause and older dogs with cataract typically have cataract
due to age related lens changes. A few dogs develop cataract secondary to
retinal disease. If retinal disease is suspected, ultrasonography and/or
ElectroRetinoGraphy (testing the function/electrical activity of the retina)
may be required prior to scheduling cataract surgery. This procedure is
painless and much like the EKG used to evaluate heart function. |
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| Glaucoma
Surgery: Glaucoma
Shunt placement,
Laser
Surgery. |
| Vitreo-Retinal
Surgery: Vitrectomy,
Laser Surgery. |
| Eyeball
surgery: Enucleation, Evisceration,
Exenteration. |
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Just as in humans, if vision
is decreased by cataract, the only treatment is surgery. The surgical
treatment involves removing the lens by phacoemulsification (ultrasound
treatment). Surgery may be recommended in one or both eyes. In some patients
a plastic lens (implant) may replace the diseased lens. Many dogs undergoing
successful cataract surgery can be discharged several hours following
surgery.
The possible complications
after surgery include retinal detachment and glaucoma (high pressure in
the eye) and these complications may lead to blindness. It is important
that owners realize that cataract surgery is an elective (optional) procedure
- something you elect to do for your pet. It is not inhuman to forego
surgery.
Specific questions about cataracts
in animals can be addressed by Dr. Clinton or Dr. Evans.
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Animal Eye
Clinic
204 Medford-Mt.
Holly Rd (Rt 541)
Medford,
NJ 08055-9623
Phone (609)
654-0304 - Fax (609) 714 1479
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