 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS: | ||||||
| Charlotte: (evening) 704-588-7015 |
Huntersville: 704-949-1100 |
Greensboro: 336-632-0605 |
Winston-Salem: 336-896-0902 |
|||
 |
||||||
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||
 |
Vision and Cataracts The Normal Eye Light passes through the cornea and into the eye through the pupil where it is focused by the lens onto the retina. The retina relays this image to the brain via the optic nerve. |
 |
The Eye With Cataracts A cataract is an opacity in the lens.Cataracts impair vision by scattering light as it passes through the lens. Scattered light cannot be focused onto the retina, impairing vision. |
Cataract Surgery & Lens Implantation
Before Surgery
After a comprehensive eye exam during your initial visit, we will provide information about your pet's level of visual impairment and the likelihood of cataract progression. If we recommend cataract surgery as a means of restoring or preserving vision, we will discuss in detail the success rate and potential complications as they relate to your dog's case.
Before we proceed, we make an electro-retinogram (ERG) to confirm that retinal function is normal. If it is, surgery is the next step.
Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, and no overnight stay is necessary.
The surgical procedure employs the same instrumentation, skills and standards as in human medicine. Each member of our surgical staff is board certified in ophthalmology and is specially trained in intraocular surgery. Each has performed over 1000 cataract surgeries.
In uncomplicated cases, cataract surgery is 90-95% successful. As with any surgical procedure, there are potential complications, which will be discussed during your initial visit.
Cataract surgery involves the removal of the defective lens through a small corneal incision. A surgical process termed phacoemulsification is used
to remove the cataract from the eye. The procedure is performed with the aid of an operating microscope and requires general anesthesia.
After the cataract is removed, an artificial lens is implanted into its place so that light can once again be focused onto the retina.After Surgery
Patients are discharged the day of their surgery. Dogs are sent home with special collars to prevent them from rubbing their eyes. Progress is monitored closely immediately afterwards, and then again in one week, and one month. Most cases require medication in the form of eye drops, five times daily for a week, then three times daily for a month. Some cases may also require oral medication. Regular grooming and exercise activity can resume three to four weeks after surgery.
Important Facts
- The most common causes of cataracts in dogs are an inherited defect in the lens, diabetes and advanced age.
- Breeds of dogs most commonly affected by inherited cataracts include poodles, cocker spaniels, terriers and retrievers.
- Dogs of all ages can be affected by cataracts.
- It is common for both eyes to be affected by cataracts, but not necessarily at the same time.
- Surgery is done on an outpatient basis. There is no overnight stay.
- The overall success rate is 90-95%.
- Artificial lenses are implanted in all cases.
- Cataract surgery is often performed in both eyes without an increase in the rate of complications.
- The success rate of cataract surgery is greater the earlier it is performed. It is best not to wait until they are advanced or become "ripe."
- Cataracts do not recur after surgery.
| Designed by RP Design | Copyright ©2006 - Carolina Veterinary Specialists |