Eye Care For Dogs and Cats

Protect Your Pet's Eye Health

There's more to your pet's vision than what meets the eye.

At first glance, your dog or cat's vision is not very impressive. They're red-green color blind, seeing the world in a narrow range of blues and yellows. Our pets are also near-sighted, unable to see across great distances, and they tend to have a frontal blind spot that prevents them from seeing a treat dropped just under their nose.

At night, though, your dog or cat's vision really shines, with tapetums, a reflective layer of tissue at the back of each eye that help them see clearly in dim lighting.

What's more, your pet's eyes are windows to their whole-body health. Clear, bright eyes are a sign that your pet is thriving. But just like humans, dogs and cats are commonly affected by eye issues like conjunctivitis, cataracts, and glaucoma.

Conjuntivitis refers to “pink eye,” or redness of the sclera. A dog or cat's sclera, the white portion around the iris, is sensitive to irritation and may show signs of inflammation from anything from a bacterial infection to a viral infection like feline herpesvirus, allergies or a corneal scratch.

Red or pink, irritated eyes should be examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible, as eye issues are painful and can lead to complications like vision loss if left untreated.

Cataracts, a common condition seen in older humans, affects senior pets too. Cataracts are cloudy protein deposits that gradually build up over the cornea. Most of the time, cataracts are genetic, but they can also be linked to diabetes or a traumatic injury. They're incredibly common in senior cats and dogs, and can be treated through surgery.

Glaucoma is another common eye condition seen in senior pets. The front of the eye contains fluid that helps it keep its shape. In pets with glaucoma, the fluid does not drain properly, causing a painful buildup of pressure that can damage the optic nerve and ultimately cause blindness. Diagnosed early, glaucoma can be managed with medication or surgery.