Animal Eye Specialists
  San Carlos San Francisco
Cynthia S. Cook, DVM, PhD  Albert J. Mughannam, DVM  Carol M. Szymanski, DVM  Clara O. Williams, DVM, MS
 

Things you should know if you are considering cataract surgery for your pet.
When a cataract occurs, the lens inside the eye becomes cloudy.

Drawing of an animal eye

Dogs and Cats have limited color vision.
Through a cataract, vision is blurred (right).
 
Treatment for cataracts requires surgery. The cloudy lens is removed by PHACOEMULSIFICATION and replacement lens is surgically implanted.
The operating room at Veterinary Vision
where cataract surgery is performed



Cataract surgery is done on an outpatient basis.  Patients are admitted to the hospital in San Carlos in the morning, and discharged later the same day.


The replacement lens is made of Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA).
It is inert and well tolerated for life.


Vision without a replacement lens is still somewhat blurry (left). Occasionally, weakness in the ZONULE fibers may make it difficult or impossible to implant a replacement lens.

Apply eye medication before and after cataract surgery.
 You will need to apply eye medications starting FOUR days prior to cataract surgery and continuing for approximately SIX WEEKS after cataract surgery. Initially the medications are applied four times daily (EVERY SIX HOURS) then gradually decreasing in frequency.

There is very little discomfort after cataract surgery and pain medications are rarely needed

 
The protective ELIZABETHAN COLLAR is essential to prevent rubbing at the delicate stitches. It must be worn at all times during the first week following the cataract surgery. During the second week you can take the collar off when you can supervise. It is usually not needed after two weeks.

The collar requires some adjustments and most people say that this is the hardest part of the entire cataract surgery. Eating, drinking, and sleeping are possible with the collar on although some help may be needed and, of course, lots of TLC!

Examination schedule:

ONE DAY after cataract surgery

ONE WEEK after cataract surgery

TWO WEEKS after cataract surgery

FOUR WEEKS after cataract surgery

SIX WEEKS after cataract surgery

Additional rechecks may be needed and, once healing is complete, annual exams are recommended. In most cases there are no sutures to remove.
 
Read comments from owners of patients who have had cataract surgery in our

HALL OF FAME



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Veterinary Vision is committed to keeping pet owners informed about the eye condition affecting their animal.
Owners should know what to expect throughout the cataract treatment of
their dog, cat, bird, horse, reptile, or exotic animal.


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