Clinical Conditions
The following factsheets are designed to assist in understanding certain common ocular conditions. Please also see the disclaimer.
Cataracts
This factsheet is designed to help owners to understand cataracts and surgical treatment for the condition.
Cherry Eye
Cherry eye, or protrusion of the nictitans gland, is a relatively common condition which requires surgical correction.
Corneal Sequestrum
This is a condition of cats in which a focal region of the corneal stroma becomes brown or black and causes irritation. The factsheet outlines possible causes and recommended treatments.
Deep Corneal Ulcers
Corneal ulcers which are deep or "melting" are very serious as they could result in rupture of the eye and the necessity of having the eye removed. Early treatment is required. This factsheet outlines the condition.
Distichiasis
Distichia are hairs arising from a normally hairless eyelid margin. They may cause irritation resulting in ocular discharge or corneal ulcers. The factsheet describes the signs and treatment for this condition.
Ectopic Cilia
Ectopic cilia are hairs which grow inappropriately on the inner surface of the eyelids. They may rub against the eye, causing a watery discharge and / or corneal ulcers. The signs and treatment are outlined in the factsheet.
Entropion
An in-rolling or inversion of the eyelids causes problems as the hairs irritate the eye. This leaftlet describes the condition and the treatment options.
Enucleation
(surgical removal of the eye)
This factsheet explains the reasons why a pet might need to have an eye surgically removed, details the procedure involved, and describes what the pet may look like after the surgery.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a painful, vision-threatening condition caused by increased pressure within the eye. It can be inherited or be the result of another eye disease. The factsheet provides more information about the condition.
Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca - Dry Eye
Dry Eye Disease is a condition where there are not enough tears to keep the eye's surface moist, leading to inflammation of the conjunctiva and cornea. If untreated, it can result in painful corneal ulcers, opacity (cloudiness) of the cornea, and potentially blindness. The factsheet provides further details.
Lens Luxation
Movement of the lens from it's secure position inside the eye leads to problems such as poor vision and often causes a sudden onset of ocular pain and secondary glaucoma. This condition requires very prompt treatment, as outlined in this factsheet.
Chronic Superficial Keratitis / "Pannus"
Pannus is an immune-mediated condition in dogs where blood vessels invade the cornea due to inflammation of the cornea and conjunctiva. If untreated, it can cause the cornea to become cloudy, leading to vision loss. The factsheet provides more details on the condition and its treatment.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
These are inherited disorders which affect the retina and result in slow onset loss of vision. The condition is outlined in the factsheet.
Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration Syndrome (SARDS)
SARD is a condition which causes very sudden blindness in dogs. There is more information contained in the factsheet.
Superficial Corneal Ulcers
Spontaneous chronic corneal epithelial defects (SCCED) are also called indolent ulcers, Boxer ulcers and superficial erosions. The condition and treatment are outlined in this factsheet.
Dogs Living With Blindness
Dogs often adapt well to living with blindness, but their caregivers need some help too which they can get in this factsheet.
Brachycephalic (short skull / flat faced) dogs frequently develop ocular problems because of their conformation, which is reviewed in this factsheet. In a large study, flat-faced dogs were found to be eight times more likely to develop corneal ulceration.
Neurogenic Dry Eye
Neurogenic Dry Eye is a specific type of Dry Eye / Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca that arises due to specific nerve damage, typically affecting one eye. The condition and treatment are outlined in the factsheet.