Does your senior pet have cloudy eyes? Two common causes of cloudy eyes are cataracts and nuclear sclerosis. Both conditions affect the lens of the eye.
Nuclear sclerosis is a normal aging change causing lens haze. The eye should still be visual with this condition.
A cataract is a lens opacity that interferes with vision. Cataracts can be congenital or acquired. Most cataracts are inherited. Breeds commonly affected are Cockers, Poodles, Miniature Schnauzers, and various terrier breeds to name a few. Cataracts may also be caused by diabetes, inflammation within the eye, and penetrating injuries to the lens. Report any rapidly developing cataracts to your veterinarian immediately as this may be a sign of diabetes.
Cataracts can be treated surgically by a procedure called phacoemulsification. Your veterinary ophthalmologist will carefully examine your pet to see if he qualifies for this procedure. Phacoemulsification is an ultrasonic shattering of the interior of the lens with removal by irrigation and aspiration. Careful follow-up is required.
If there is any question about your pet’s visual capabilities, see your veterinarian immediately.
For those who are interested, here is some additional reading on these subjects:
Cataracts
Nuclear sclerosis