Cataracts

What are canine cataracts and how do they effect my dog's vision

What are Cataracts?

Cataracts develop when the lens of your pet's eye clouds, usually due to the water balance in the lens or a change in protein. As the lens clouds over, it blocks light from reaching the retina reducing a pet's vision. 

What Causes Canine Cataracts to Form?

The two most common causes of cataracts are genetics and diabetes in dogs. Diabetes is by far the most common cause of canine cataracts. Almost every diabetic dog will develop cataracts within their first year of diagnosis. High blood sugar levels change the water balance in the lens causing cataracts to form. Cataracts develop rapidly in dogs with diabetes, seemingly over night causing sudden blindness. Cataracts caused by UV light exposure are common in humans, but less likely to impact a dog’s vision. Other caused of canine cataracts include:

• Eye trauma
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Birth defects
• Eye infections or inflammation
• Some cancer treatments