Dr. Mike: Hello! I’m Dr. Mike. Cataracts can be found in dogs and cats of all
ages. There are many causes of cataracts. Some animals are born
with a cataract while others may develop a cataract secondary to
disease like diabetes. It is important to understand what a cataract
is, what problems can be associated with it and the treatment
options available. To learn more about cataracts, we’re going to
meet with Dr. Douglas Esson, who is board certified in Veterinary
Ophthalmology.

Dr. Douglas Esson: A cataract is any opacification of the lens. Typically, this is noted
as a gray or white discoloration by an animal’s owner. A cataract
maybe so small as to be insignificant to the animal’s vision and
specialized tools maybe required to observe it. A cataract maybe so
significant as to render a pet blind.

Nuclear Sclerosis is a normal aging process of the lens. Typically,
in dogs we see that from seven or eight years of age onwards. It
does result in some gray and discoloration of the lens, but your
veterinarian can help differentiate Nuclear Sclerosis from a
cataract.

Many different things can cause cataract, these changes including
inflammation and trauma. But the most common cataracts that we
deal with and practice is either the result of diabetes or hereditary
and meaning they are inherited from their parents. An obvious
problem associated with the significant cataract is visual deficits or
even blindness in some cases. It is important to bear in mind that
other problems may result from the inflammation associated with
the cataracts and these can include uveitis and glaucoma and
should always been manage even if cataract surgery is not an
option.

If you think your pet is affected by cataract, you should have it
assessed by your veterinarian. If your veterinarian feels it
appropriate, they will suggest that you seek consultation with the
board certified ophthalmologist. Although, some of the medical
conditions associated with cataracts like uveitis can be managed
medically, cataracts themselves need to be managed surgically.
Surgical management of the cataract typically involves a process
called faco-emulsification and faco-emulsification sound wave
energy is used to dissolve and then remove the small fragments of
lens material.

Prior to cataract surgery, veterinary ophthalmologist will typically
perform diagnostic test in order to assess your pet’s suitability as a
candidate. These tests will help determine the likelihood of a
successful outcome. These tests typically involve ultrasonography
allowing visualization at the back of the eye and
electroretinography providing some idea of the health of the retina.

Having removed cataract as lenses, most veterinary
ophthalmologist will endeavor to replace the cataractous lens with
a new clear synthetic lens. A new lens will allow your animal to
focus on up close objects and return it to a state of ideal vision or
emmetropia.

The chances of a successful outcome following modern faco-
emulsification surgery are extremely good. However, the potential
of the complications such as glaucoma and retinal detachments
remain. Following cataract surgery, pressure inside the eye is
typically carefully monitored for the first twenty four hours.
Thereafter, antibiotics and anti inflammation medications are
applied for several weeks. Most animals that have undergone
cataract surgery are reassessed on an annual basis.

Dr. Mike: If you think your pet may have a cataract, you should bring it to
the attention of your veterinarian. With surgery, a cataract can be
removed and the prognosis is extremely good.

I hope this information has been helpful and thanks for watching.