The first and most important step is having your dog evaluated by a veterinarian, who may refer you to a veterinary ophthalmologist.
To confirm whether your dog has cataracts and determine the severity, a veterinarian will:
– Perform a physical eye exam, to look for cloudiness or changes in the lens
– Check vision, to test how your dog responds to light and movement
– Use an ophthalmoscope, to examine the inside of the eye more closely
A newly diagnosed cataract is then followed up with blood work to rule out underlying diabetes. You’ll also be referred to a veterinary ophthalmologist who can evaluate whether lens replacement surgery is an option.
As for cataracts in dogs treatment, the only option is surgery—specifically phacoemulsification, which is the same advanced technique used in humans. However, not all cataracts require immediate surgery. If the cataract is small and not yet affecting your dog’s vision or quality of life, your vet may recommend monitoring it and giving anti-inflammatory eye drops.
