Why Are My Dogs Eyes Cloudy 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.
What does it mean when a dog’s eyes look cloudy?
What does it mean when a dog’s eye is cloudy? – Cloudy eyes can be a symptom of different eye conditions, including glaucoma, nuclear sclerosis, dry eye, or corneal dystrophy. If you notice your dog’s eye becoming opaque, it’s best to seek medical attention as soon as possible to find out the cause.
Why do my dogs eyes look bluish?
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.
Should I take my dog to the vet for cloudy eyes?
Cloudy eyes can be a symptom of a variety of eye problems, and some can be painful for your dog. A veterinarian should examine any dog with cloudy eyes to diagnose the cause and prescribe prompt treatment, if necessary. Some eye conditions are hereditary, so it’s good to be aware of those common to your dog’s breed.
How do you treat cloudy eyes?
How is cataract surgery performed? – The only treatment for a cataract-clouded lens is surgery to remove the lens and replace it with an artificial lens. If left untreated, the cataract will continue to progress, eventually leading to blindness in the eye.
- But there is no reason to wait, as is one of the safest, most effective surgeries in the world.
- In the U.S., the success rate with this surgery is over 98 percent.
- At The Eye Clinic, we use minimally invasive, small-incision, no-stitch cataract surgery known as phacoemulsification (phaco) surgery.
- The surgery is remarkably fast, requiring only five to 10 minutes.
Here’s how we do it. The first step is for our computer system to create a 3D image of your eye for guidance. This allows our surgeons incredible accuracy when mapping the incision location. Next, we create the corneal incision and remove the anterior capsule of the lens.
- This gains access to the cataract-clouded lens.
- The incision is very small.
- A probe is then inserted and delivers ultrasound energy that breaks up the cloudy lens.
- At the same time, the probe uses suction to gently remove the small lens pieces.
- If you have astigmatism, at this point we may be able to create peripheral corneal incisions.
These reduce the condition. The final step of the surgery is to insert the artificial intraocular lens (IOL). Today’s advanced IOLs are foldable and are inserted through the same small incision through which the original lens was removed. The small incision size doesn’t require any sutures; it will heal on its own.
How old are dogs with cloudy eyes?
Nuclear Sclerosis – Nuclear sclerosis is a normal aging change of the lens. The lens is made up of layers of cells arranged somewhat like the layers of an onion. As animals get older, the cells become packed together more tightly as new layers are added.
- The increased density of the lens causes it to look cloudy in dogs over about 7 years of age.
- The lens will continue to appear cloudier over time.
- Nuclear Sclerosis is easily mistaken as a Cataract, which is a different problem that also causes the lens to become cloudy.
- While a cataract is an abnormality that can cause blindness and inflammation inside the eye, nuclear sclerosis is normal for an older dog, and the condition has minimal effect on vision.
Just as for middle-aged people who need reading glasses, a dog with nuclear sclerosis will not be able to see well up close. Going down stairs and catching a small treat may be more difficult. Nuclear Sclerosis Cataract
What does cyanosis look like in dogs?
Cyan is a beautiful color when you see it in the sky on a sunny day, but if you ever notice that your dog’s gums have more of a purple or blue tone to them, it may indicate cyanosis, and you should contact or rush to your veterinarian immediately. Not just a color change, cyanosis in dogs is a blue to purple discoloration of the skin or gums due to low oxygenation in these tissues.
What can I give my dog for cloudy eyes?
Treating Cloudy Eyes in Dogs – The treatment for cloudy eyes in dogs depends on the underlying cause. For example, nuclear sclerosis requires no treatment, but your vet will want to continue monitoring your dog’s eyes. Dry eye is typically treated with eye drops or ointments to moisten the eyes.
- Corneal ulcers are often treated with topical medications that fight infection and reduce pain and inflammation.
- Glaucoma requires immediate treatment to reduce intraocular pressure and prevent permanent optic nerve damage.
- Cloudy eyes in dogs may be a normal sign of aging or indicate something more serious.
If your dog’s eyes start to look cloudy, take your dog to your vet for diagnosis and treatment.