Cataract Surgery

Utilizing State-of-the-Art Surgical Equipment for Cataract Removal

Cat & Dog Cataract Surgery in Virginia & The Carolinas

At Animal Eye Care, we offer cataract removal surgery for pets in Virginia, North Carolina & South Carolina. Our board certified veterinary ophthalmologists are highly trained and bring over 25 years of experience to our practice; we rely on cutting-edge animal ophthalmology techniques and equipment in order to provide a high level of care.

Contact the location closest to you to learn more about cataract surgery in Virginia, South Carolina, and North Carolina for your pet!

What Are Cataracts?

Cataracts, or lenses that have become opaque, are a relatively common eye condition in cats and dogs. A healthy eye lens is a clear, gelatin-like structure resembling a flattened ball. It functions to focus images on the retina in the back of the eye, exactly the way a camera lens focuses images onto film. When the lens is no longer clear, it is termed a cataract.

Cataracts in animals are often inherited and develop in young to middle-aged pets. However, age-related cataracts associated can also occur, typically in animals 12 years of age or older. Diabetes mellitus is a very common cause of cataracts in dogs, as well.

Note that nearly all senior dogs (and many other senior animals) will experience a hardening of the lens, which will cause a grayish or cloudy appearance. This is known as nuclear sclerosis and is not a cataract. Nuclear sclerosis typically does not inhibit the animal’s vision in the way a cataract does. However, it is very difficult for the ordinary pet owner to tell the difference between nuclear sclerosis and cataracts; it’s best to have a professional veterinary veterinary ophthalmologist take a look at your pet to determine which condition he or she may have.

When Is Animal Cataract Surgery Needed?

There is no way to fully reverse cataracts, though a proper diet can improve the overall condition of nutritional cataracts. The only way to correct cataracts in animals is to have them surgically removed. However, not all pets with cataracts need cataract surgery.

Your veterinarian can help you determine if your pet is a good candidate for cataract surgery. This may include looking at factors such as:

  • How significantly the cataracts are affecting your pet’s vision
  • If your pet is at risk of developing other eye conditions, such as retinal detachment or glaucoma
  • The age of your dog or cat
  • The overall health and well-being of your dog or cat

Is Animal Cataract Surgery Elective?

In the majority of cases, animal cataract surgery is elective. It can dramatically affect the quality of your pet’s life, but it is not a life-saving surgery as cataracts are not life-threatening. That being said, cataract surgery can provide your dog or cat with a new lease on life.

  • To learn more about Cataract Surgery check out this video.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will My Pet Be a Candidate for Cataract Surgery?
Not all pets with cataracts are ideal candidates for surgery. During a comprehensive pre-surgical evaluation, our ophthalmologists will assess your pet’s overall health, the severity of cataracts, and any underlying eye conditions. They will discuss the risks and benefits of surgery in detail to help you make the best decision for your pet.
Following surgery, your pet will need to wear an Elizabethan collar (cone) to prevent them from rubbing or scratching at their eye. They will also be prescribed medication to aid healing and prevent infection. Several follow-up appointments are crucial to monitor your pet’s progress and ensure proper recovery.

Choosing Animal Eye Care Associates for Your Pet's Cataract Surgery

At Animal Eye Care Associates, we understand the importance of your pet’s vision. Our team of experienced ophthalmologists utilizes state-of-the-art equipment and surgical techniques to provide the highest level of care. We are committed to offering compassionate and personalized service throughout the entire cataract surgery process.

Contact a location near you to learn more about our Virginia, South Carolina, and North Carolina animal cataract surgery services.