What is a cataract?

A cataract is any opacity of the lens within the eye. It can be a small cataract (incipient) and not interfere with vision or it can be larger and interfere with vision. There are also aging changes that can occur in the lens of older dogs which are not cataracts but often can be mistaken as cataracts. This condition is called nuclear sclerosis and usually does not interfere with vision.

Why do cataracts occur?

Cataracts can occur for my many reasons. Dogs can develop cataracts at a very young age (congenital) or as older pets. Cataracts are often an inherited disease or can secondarily develop due to other disease processes such as Diabetes.

Can cataracts be treated?

Yes - A surgical procedure is performed to remove the cataracts. This procedure is called phacoemulsification. This is the identical procedure which is used to remove cataracts in humans. This procedure is performed with the assistance of a surgical microscope. A special instrument is placed through a small incision in the eye and high frequency ultrasound is used to break up and aspirate away the cataractous lens material. There are no medical treatments to clear or remove cataracts.

Will my pet be able to see after surgery?

Yes - vision is restored immediately after surgery and continues to improve over the first weeks postoperatively. After every cataract surgery we are always so thrilled to share in your pet's first glimpses and confident steps in their new visual world. Additionally, if your pet is a candidate for a "replacement lens" or "false lens", then the vision is even sharper especially for objects "close up". We also perform pre-operative testing (an electroretinogram and ultrasound) to ensure retinal health prior to performing surgery.

Below are images of a patient before, and after, successful surgery and implantation

What is a replacement lens and how will I know if my pet is a candidate for a replacement lens?

At KBVC we have a state of the art foldable replacement lens that is placed within the capsule or bag that remains after the cataract is removed. This new foldable lens offers the ability to make a substantially smaller incision in the eye with potentially fewer complications and shorter healing times. On initial consultation we will evaluate your pet's cataracts and discuss replacement lenses. We will not however be able to determine whether the eye is suitable for a lens until during surgery. If a replacement lens is not suitable, your pet will still have very good vision postoperatively. If your pet has bilateral cataracts a replacement lens may be placed in neither, one or both eyes.

Pictured below is the lens, and the special tool with which it is implanted.

What potential complications can occur?

Typically cataract surgery has a 95% or better success rate, however there are some complications that can occur and need to be recognized. The most common postoperative complications are intense inflammation (uveitis), infection, glaucoma, and retinal detachments. We will pre-treat your pet with medications to help prevent any of these occurrences and carefully examine your pet postoperatively to quickly address any of these occurrences.

Dr. Mosunic performing the procedure described in our ophthalmological surgery suite

What is the typical "schedule"and what can my pet and I expect?

We will meet you and your pet and perform a complete examination on an initial consultation visit. This visit will typically last 1 hour and we will discuss your pet's candidacy for surgery, answer any questions, and address any concerns you may have. Typically, your pet will receive topical eye medications at this exam to start treating the inflammation that already exists within the eye caused by the development of the cataracts. Preoperative testing of the retinal health is required. This testing consists of an ERG (electroretinogram) and ocular ultrasound. These are non-painful test that are performed to test the health of the retina to ensure that when the cataracts are removed that the retinas are healthy so that vision will be restored after surgery. Surgery is typically scheduled for Tuesdays and your pet will stay overnight monitored 24 hours a day by BOTH doctors and nurses. Your pet will never be left alone and will be under the direct care of a doctor at all times. This postoperative monitoring is extremely important to monitor for glaucoma which can be a blinding complication if not addressed immediately. Additionally, they will receive many hugs and kisses to make them feel comfortable and cared for.

Recheck examinations are usually required 1 week after surgery, 2-3 weeks, 6 weeks, 2-3 months and then every 6-12 months. Typically for the first week preoperatively, 3-4 medication must be given 3-4 times daily and then the frequency will decrease. A cone collar must be worn postoperatively to protect the surgical site.

What if my pet is unable to receive surgery?

It is still very important to have your pet's cataracts evaluated. Having cataracts develop within the eye can cause intense inflammation (lens induced uveitis) which should be treated with topical eye medications to hopefully prevent other potentially painful complications such as glaucoma or retinal detachment. These complications are why it is better to perform cataract surgery early in their development rather than waiting until the cataract matures or 'ripens'.

Please select The Treatment from the Main Menu and select Therapies & Procedures for a list of treatment options available at KBVC.