When Should Your Pet See An Ophthalmologist?
Most cases seen by an ophthalmologist are referred by a general practice veterinarian. This individual is in the best position to provide an initial examination and determine if referral to a specialist is indicated. Referral of a difficult ophthalmic case demonstrates your veterinarian's concern for your pet's welfare and his or her ability to identify conditions which will benefit from specialized diagnosis and treatment. Referral is not required and many pets come to us when the owner has noted an eye problems and seeks an examination directly.
Indications for Referral to an Ophthalmologist
Symptom |
Possible Cause |
Loss of vision |
Cataracts, glaucoma, retinal degeneration or retinal detachment |
Ocular discharge |
Dry eye, infections |
Ocular pain |
Injury, Corneal ulcer, foreign body, eyelid abnormalities, glaucoma |
Change in appearance |
Cataracts, inflammation, tumors |
Common Eye Diseases
| A clouding of the lens inside the eye; it is the most common cause of blindness in dogs. |
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| An inherited degeneration of the visual cells (rods and cones.) | |
| A condition associated with elevated pressure within the eye. | |
| A condition in which the tear glands are unable to provide adequate moisture to the eye. | |
| A "rolling in" of the eyelid(s) so that the eyelashes contact and irritate the cornea. | |
| An abrasion of the clear surface of the eye; often painful; may be caused by trauma. | |
| A prolapse of the tear gland associated with the third eyelid. | |
| A viral infection of the cornea and conjunctiva in cats; may or may not be associated with symptoms of an upper respiratory infection. |