What Happens When Dogs Eyes Turn Blue?
What is lenticular sclerosis? – Lenticular sclerosis or nuclear sclerosis is the medical term for a bluish transparent haze that develops in the lens of the eye in middle-aged to senior dogs. This is considered a normal change in the lens associated with aging, and is observed as a cloudiness or bluish discoloration on the pupil.
- Vision does not appear to be significantly affected in dogs diagnosed with lenticular sclerosis.” Vision does not appear to be significantly affected in dogs diagnosed with lenticular sclerosis.
- This condition is not the same as cataracts.
- Cataracts are white and opaque and represent a change in the ability of light to penetrate to the retina.
Cataracts cause diminished vision. Cataracts and lenticular sclerosis are two of the most common eye problems seen in dogs over the age of nine. Some estimates show the prevalence of lenticular sclerosis or cataracts at 50% in dogs over nine years of age and 100% in dogs over the age of thirteen.
- Lenticular sclerosis appears as an evenly gray, rounded opacity (cloudiness) in the center of the lens, and is most easily observed when the pupil is dilated.” Lenticular sclerosis typically occurs bilaterally (in both eyes) and symmetrically in dogs.
- Lenticular sclerosis appears as an evenly gray, rounded opacity (cloudiness) in the center of the lens, and is most easily observed when the pupil is dilated.
The opacity is often more dramatic when viewed from the side rather than from the front. When the eye is examined with an ophthalmoscope, the retina and fundus (back of the eye) can still be seen through the sclerotic lens.
Why did my dog’s eye turn blue?
Nuclear sclerosis (also known as lenticular sclerosis) is a normal aging change of the lens within the eye. It causes a dogs eyes to have a hazy, blue, cloudy appearance to them. It occurs as the lens fibers in the eye harden, compress and become more visible due to age.
Are blue eyes in dogs a defect?
Blindness or Deafness – Blue eyes does not indicate that your dog will eventually go blind, deaf, or have any other genetic defects. Variation in pigmentation in the iris can occur for varying reasons, and doesn’t necessarily point to health concerns.
At what age do dogs become blind?
What Is SARDS? – SARDS is a permanent form of blindness that occurs suddenly. It’s most often diagnosed in older dogs, with the median age being 8.5 years, and 60-70% of dogs with the condition are female. Dachshunds and Miniature Schnauzers are particularly afflicted. Pugs, Brittany Spaniels, and Maltese breeds also show a predisposition for the condition.
Why is my dog’s eye color changing?
Animal Update: Pets’ Eye Color Changes Explained – Your browser does not support the audio element. Other changes to eye color could indicate some sort of abnormality. There are types of diseases that can cause a change in eye color. Cataracts are a common cause, mainly in dogs and can cause changes either because of congenital reasons or because of diabetes.
- Other changes of eye color can be due to conditions of the cornea or infections of the iris,” she said.
- In old dogs, if you catch them in the right light you’ll see that their eyes kind of have a hazy blue.
- That’s called lenticular sclerosis or a hardening of the lens.
- The other reason for a blue eye is due to corneal inflammation, either due to an immune reaction or some type of infection or injury.” Thanks for reading CBS NEWS.
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What does it mean when a dog’s eyes turn GREY?
Arthritis In Dogs & Cats Master Guide 
Why do an old dog’s eyes go grey? Posted by Media Rocket, 09 Sep 2020 Why do an old dog’s eyes go grey? Have you noticed that your older dog’s eyes become hazy? This is particularly noticeable at night time. There are two common reasons why this happens.
The first condition is age-related. As pets age the fibres in the lens naturally get more dense and compact, creating a greyish blue haze to the centre of the eye. This condition is called “lenticular sclerosis” or “nuclear sclerosis” and does not typically compromise vision. It also leads to night blindness and a loss of depth perception.
Lenticular sclerosis appears as an evenly grey, rounded opacity (cloudiness) in the centre of the lens, and is most easily observed when the pupil is dilated – like during a vet visit or at night time. There is no specific treatment for lenticular sclerosis, nor is treatment necessary.
We would still like to monitor your pet’s eyes regularly to make sure that cataracts are not developing in the eyes. The second reason can be because of cataracts. Cataracts are white and opaque and block light from reaching the retina. This will lead to blindness. Mature cataracts cause the lens to go hard and shrivel up (like a grape becoming a raisin) The loss of water and protein from the lens causes it to shrivel up and form a Mercedes Benz like symbol in the lens.
There are several causes of cataracts, including diabetes, infection, nutritional, and age-related degeneration. Treatment usually is unrewarding in terms of reversing the cataract, and surgery is the only option for a cure. Cataracts and lenticular sclerosis are two of the most common eye problems seen in dogs over the age of nine.
Some estimates show the prevalence of one of the above conditions at 50% in dogs over nine years of age and 100% in dogs over the age of thirteen. There are also other reasons for the eyes of dogs to go cloudy. Sometimes the cornea becomes waterlogged. In these cases, the whole surface of the eye becomes opaque and not just the lens.
This can be a sign that some of the corneal cells are dying (age-related) and the cornea struggles to regulate the amount of water in the cells. The right type of eye drops can help with this. It can also be a sign of severe systemic diseases If you are suspicious of a cataract or a subtle decline in vision, please make an appointment with your family vet straight away.