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)
Unfortunately sometimes it is required that your pet must have their eye removed. This is a factsheet which outlines the causes for enucleation, the procedure, and what the pet may look like afterwards.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a painful and blinding condition which results from a raised pressure within the eye. The condition may be inherited or be the result of another eye disease. This factsheet gives information about the condition.
Keratoconjunctivitis sicca - Dry Eye
Dry Eye Disease is a condition in which there are insuffient tears on the surface of the eye. The dryness leads to inflammation of the conjunctiva (conjunctivitis) and of the cornea (keratitis). Left untreated, this condition can lead to painful corneal ulcers, opacity (cloudiness) of the eye and blindness. The condition is outlined in the factsheet.
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 affecting dogs and resulting in blood vessels infiltrating the cornea due to inflammation of both the cornea and conjunctiva. Left untreated, the cornea goes opaque (cloudy), resulting in vision loss. The condition and its treatment are described in the factsheet.
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 (SARD)
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.
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.