When should my pet see a veterinary ophthalmologist?

Your veterinarian may recommend an ophthalmology consultation if your pet is experiencing eye redness, squinting, excessive tearing, cloudiness, changes in vision, eye pain, or other concerns. Common conditions treated by veterinary ophthalmologists include cataracts, glaucoma, corneal ulcers, dry eye, uveitis, retinal disease, eyelid abnormalities, and eye injuries.

What should I bring to my appointment?

Please bring your pet's current medications, including any eye medications they are receiving, as well as any medical records or information from your primary veterinarian that may be helpful. If possible, bring a list of medications and the times they are administered.

How do I know if my pet's eye problem is an emergency?

Sudden vision loss, severe eye pain, significant swelling or redness, a bulging eye, an obvious injury, blood in or around the eye, or a sudden change in the appearance of the eye should be evaluated promptly. When in doubt, contact your veterinarian or our office so we can help determine the appropriate next step.

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What are cataracts?

A cataract is an opacification of the eye’s natural lens that can interfere with vision. Cataracts can develop for a variety of reasons, including genetics, aging, diabetes, inflammation, trauma, or other underlying conditions. Cataracts can range from small areas of lens opacification that have little effect on vision to more advanced cataracts that cause significant vision loss. In some cases, cataracts can also lead to painful complications such as inflammation or glaucoma.