Cataracts in Dogs: What to Know About This Vision Problem
Key takeaways:
As they do with humans, cataracts cause cloudiness on the lens of your dog’s eyes that can lead to vision problems.
Cataracts in dogs are usually caused by genetics passed on from a family member or as an issue of diabetes.
Removing cataracts with surgery is the only way to restore lost vision.
Table of contents
You may be familiar with cataracts in humans. A cataract is when the lens of the eye gets cloudy, which leads to decreased vision and blindness. But humans aren’t the only creatures who can develop this eye issue. Dogs can get cataracts, too.
Whether your dog already has cataracts or you’re wondering if they could have them, here’s what you need to know.
What do early-stage cataracts look like in dogs?
An early-stage cataract in dogs involves less than 15% of the lens. Early-stage cataracts in dogs may not be visible to the naked eye. They often do not cause decreased vision.
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Using an ophthalmoscope with a light, a veterinarian can see an early cataract. They appear as small, focal black spots in the lens that block the reflection of light.
Stages of dog cataracts
Cataracts have four stages of severity in dogs:
Incipient-stage cataracts affect less than 15% of a dog’s lens. At this stage, they do not cause vision problems.
Immature cataracts involve more than 15% of the lens, but the lens is still not fully affected. Some vision may still be present.
Mature cataracts involve the entire lens. Dogs usually can no longer see.
Hypermature cataracts actually begin to wrinkle and shrink. This process leads to a lot of eye inflammation that can cause additional problems.
What causes cataracts in dogs?
Cataracts in dogs can be caused by the following disorders and issues.
Genetics
Genetic cataracts are inherited at birth. This is the most common cause of cataracts in dogs. Common dog breeds more likely to have genetic cataracts include:
Standard poodle
Miniature poodle
Miniature schnauzer
Boston terrier
American cocker spaniel
Australian shepherd
Golden retriever
Rottweiler
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Diabetes
Diabetes is another common cause of cataracts in dogs. Up to 80% of dogs who develop diabetes will also develop cataracts within 1 year.
Rare medication side effects
Although rare, toxin-induced cataracts can be caused by certain medications. Two examples are ketoconazole (an antifungal medication) and disophenol (a dewormer).
Low calcium
Cataracts can be caused by low calcium. Kidney disease and poor nutrition can be underlying causes.
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Eye trauma
Trauma to the eye from an injury can lead to inflammation and damage, causing cataracts.
Certain eye diseases
Uveitis, an inflammation of the eye that can have many causes, can lead to cataracts in dogs.
How do you diagnose cataracts in dogs?
Your veterinarian can diagnose cataracts in your dog with an eye exam. As part of the exam, they will look at your dog’s eyes with an ophthalmoscope. This device shines light into your dog’s eye and reflects it back to the vet. A cataract will fully block light reflection.
Depending on the stage of the cataract, the affected eye may or may not appear cloudy. Dogs with early cataracts often still have good vision.
Dogs with later-stage cataracts will have cloudy-looking eyes. They often show signs of blindness, bumping into things in the home or while out on walks.
A normal age-related condition of the eye called lenticular or nuclear sclerosis also makes the lens appear cloudy. But vets can tell the difference when looking at your dog’s eyes.
How do you treat cataracts in dogs?
The first-choice treatment for dogs with cataracts is surgery to remove them. Veterinary ophthalmologists perform the surgery. Often, an artificial lens will be placed in your dog’s eye after the diseased lens is removed.
If cataracts aren’t causing any issues, your dog might not need treatment. This is especially true in early stages when vision is not affected. Even mature cataracts that do cause vision loss may not cause any discomfort for your dog.
If cataracts do cause inflammation in the eye, this can be managed with anti-inflammatory eye drops. They may help with comfort, but drops cannot help a dog regain their eyesight.
Surgery is the only option for restoring a dog’s eyesight. Cataract surgery is successful in up to 90% of cases when your dog is a good candidate for it. Surgery is more successful in the earlier stages of cataracts.
On average, dog cataract surgery costs between $2,800 and $4,900.
Dogs who shouldn’t get cataract surgery
But surgery may not be an option for your dog if:
Cataracts lead to glaucoma or greater pressure inside the eye.
Cataracts cause uveitis or inflammation within the eye.
Cataracts cause detachment of the retina at the back of the eye, which can lead to permanent blindness that cannot be corrected.
The surface of the eye (cornea) is not healthy.
Their age or health presents too many risks for surgery.
You cannot give them the necessary care after surgery (such as giving eyedrops many times a day for several weeks, plus oral medications).
Can dogs live comfortably with cataracts?
Dogs may or may not be able to live comfortably with cataracts. This can depend on the cataract’s stage and other issues caused by cataracts. Earlier-stage cataracts do not usually block vision or cause too many other issues for your dog.
The longer your dog has cataracts, the greater chance they will develop inflammation within the eye. Other issues can also occur, such as:
Retinal detachment
Lens moving out of place
Dogs can cope with the blindness that cataracts may cause. They can use their excellent senses of hearing, smell, and memory to navigate their home environment. But they may need help if any sudden changes are made in the home or if they’re in unfamiliar environments.
Frequently asked questions
It depends. Some dogs with cataracts experience no pain, while others experience intense pain. Without treatment, cataracts can lead to other conditions, such as glaucoma, that can also cause discomfort.
No. Cataracts are not preventable. There isn’t any medication or other treatment that has been proved to prevent cataracts.
Unfortunately, there’s nothing you can do to slow cataract progression in your dog. There are currently no medications or treatments to curb, stop, or reverse vision loss from cataracts besides surgery.
The eye condition lenticular or nuclear sclerosis can be mistaken for cataracts in dogs. Dogs with that condition have cloudy-looking eyes, but their vision isn't typically affected like it is with cataracts.
No. There are no natural ways to treat dog cataracts. Cataract treatment typically involves surgical removal and placement of a new lens in your dog’s eye. Maintenance therapy involves anti-inflammatory eye drops and eye lubricants.
The bottom line
Cataracts in dogs can have several causes. The most common are inheriting them from a parent and developing cataracts due to diabetes. In the early stages, your dog might not show any signs of cataracts. But as they develop, you may see cloudiness in your dog’s eyes and signs of blindness.
Medical and surgical options are available, but surgery is the only way to restore vision. If surgery is not an option, dogs can cope comfortably with blindness by using their other superior senses.
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References
Allbaugh, R. A. (2019). Managing uveitis in dogs and cats. Today’s Veterinary Practice.
Brooks, W. (2023). Cataracts in dogs and cats. Veterinary Partner.
Clode, A. (2016). Differentiating nuclear sclerosis from cataracts. Clinician’s Brief.
Conway, E. (2023). Cataracts vs. nuclear sclerosis. American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists.
Cornell Richard P. Riney Canine Health Center. (n.d.). Canine cataracts. Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine.
Gelatt, K. N. (2018). Disorders of the lens in dogs. Merck Veterinary Manual.
Grogan, T. (2020). Cataracts in dogs: The importance of early detection and management. Today’s Veterinary Nurse.
Kennard, G. (2009). Selected lens diseases and cataract treatment (proceedings). DVM360.
Mancuso, L., et al. (2016). Cataracts in dogs. Clinician’s Brief.
Morgan, R. (2018). Glaucoma in dogs and cats. Veterinary Partner.
