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Cataract Surgery
What exactly is a cataract?
The lens is a clear structure inside of the eye that focuses light/images and helps make vision possible. A cataract is simply an opacity that forms within the lens that decreases its clarity and can lead to diminished vision or even blindness. Cataracts are generally white in appearance. They can range from merely a small area within the lens which does not seem to diminish vision, to a very large opacity that fills the entire lens and takes away vision completely. In the more advanced stages, you will most likely notice signs of vision problems in your pet, especially if both eyes are involved. These signs usually consist of bumping into objects around the house, having a difficult time going up and down stairs and curbs, and inability to catch a ball or treat when thrown to them. Cataracts are the leading cause of vision loss in dogs. The great news is that there is a successful surgical treatment that can restore your loved ones vision.
How did my pet get cataracts?
The most common causes of cataracts are that they are inherited, diabetes related, trauma related, or a result of nutritional abnormalities. Fifty percent of dogs that have been diagnosed with diabetes will develop cataracts within 6 months and around 75% by 1 year. As a general rule, the sooner a cataract is evaluated by a specialist the better the surgical prognosis will be. Early detection and surgery is especially important with diabetic cataracts, which can progress rapidly and lead to significant inflammation inside of the eye in a fairly short period of time. This can then result in other painful conditions such as secondary glaucoma.
What does surgery consist of?
Phacoemulsification with artificial lens implantation is the gold standard for cataract removal. There is no medication that can make your loved one’s cataracts go away or prevent them from forming. Surgery is the solution for cataracts that are causing visual deficits. Surgical success is approximately 95% if the cataracts are diagnosed and operated early enough. Following some routine testing and evaluation of the retina, your loved one will be scheduled for surgery. Surgery consists of using a micro-incision into the eye to reach the lens. Using a phacoemulsification hand piece, the cataract is broken up and removed. An artificial lens is then placed to restore your pet’s vision to the quality they had prior to cataract formation. Surgery is on an outpatient basis. You will drop off your loved one in the morning and pick them up in the afternoon. Avoiding any complications, their vision will improve immediately and they will continue to gain clarity over the next week. Your pet will be evaluated multiple times at 1 day, 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month and 2 months following surgery. These routine post-operative exams are included in the price of surgery.
Will my pet’s cataract come back?
The simple answer is NO. Once removed, your love one’s cataract will not come back following surgery.
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Southern Veterinary Eye Care
21489 Koop Dr. Suite 6 - Mandeville, LA 70471
For Scheduling: Office: 985-400-5333 - Fax: 985-746-9393
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