Cataract Surgery for Dogs: Everything You Need To Know

They say the eyes are the windows to the soul, but what do you do when those windows are a little hazy?

If you notice cataracts—a cloudy or bluish-gray area that develops on the lens, causing a hazy appearance—in your beloved pet, it might be time to consider cataract surgery for dogs.

What Is Cataract Surgery for Dogs?

Cataract surgery for dogs is a specialty procedure performed on dogs with cataracts.

The procedure takes place under general anesthesia, so the dog feels no pain and remains unconscious during the procedure.

Cataract surgery, which is called phacoemulsification by veterinarians, is a routine surgical procedure for most veterinary ophthalmologists.

The anatomy of a dog’s eye is not unlike that of a human eye.

The outer, clear layer of a dog’s eye is called the cornea. Within the eye in the center is a dark hole through which light shines, called the pupil. The pupil is surrounded by the colored iris.

Just behind the pupil is the lens, which is held within the lens capsule. Light shines through the lens to reach the retina in the back of the eye, which allows the dog to see.

When a dog has cataracts, they develop areas of opacity (cloudiness) on the lens.

This limits the light that passes through the lens to the retina, which affects the dog’s vision.

Cataract surgery replaces the cloudy lens with a new artificial one, restoring the path of light to the retina and helping the dog regain clearer vision.

Cataract surgery can be performed on one or both eyes.

During the procedure, the veterinary ophthalmologist makes a tiny incision in the front of the eye and places a very small probe into the eye, removing a portion of the lens capsule.

The probe uses ultrasonic waves to break up the lens that has the cataract. The vet then uses the probe to removes the fragmented lens from the eye.

Once the lens is removed, the veterinarian places an artificial lens within the lens capsule. Finally, the vet uses a tiny suture to close the incision on the eye.

Why Would a Dog Need Cataract Surgery?

If your dog has a very early cataract, your veterinary ophthalmologist will generally recommend monitoring for progression.

However, the best time to remove a cataract is before it becomes mature.

While cataracts at this early stage generally cause vision problems, they are not so advanced that they cause inflammation within the eye.

If your dog has a systemic issue such as diabetes, your vet will help you control the condition prior to doing surgery.

Cataracts are more common in specific breeds, such as American Cocker Spaniels, and in dogs with diabetes.

Benefits of Cataract Surgery for Dogs

The primary benefit to cataract surgery for dogs is that it restores vision when it’s successful.

Most dogs do very well after this surgery, especially if it is performed before other ocular issues such as uveitis (inflammation inside the eye) have developed.

Risks of Cataract Surgery for Dogs

In addition to the risks associated with any procedure done under anesthesia, cataract surgery for dogs can come with some other risks, including:

• Uveitis

• Glaucoma (elevated pressure in the eye)

• Ulcers on the cornea

• Possibility of the incision on the eye breaking open

• Infection in the eye

• Detachment of the retina

• Displacement of the new lens

• Fibrosis of the new lens (a condition in which the lens develops fibrous tissue)

• Dry eye

• Blindness

Effectiveness of Cataract Surgery for Dogs

Cataract surgery for dogs is considered effective when it results in improved vision.

Fortunately, this procedure is highly successful, with a success rate of 85% to 90% in uncomplicated cases.

Cost of Cataract Surgery for Dogs

Dog cataract surgery cost ranges from $2,700 to $4,000.

The cost varies depending on the severity of the condition and whether surgery is being performed on one or both eyes.

Preparation for Cataract Surgery for Dogs

Before surgery, your veterinarian will want to get inflammation of the eye and any systemic conditions—such as diabetes—under control.

As part of this, they might have you putting drops in your dog’s eyes multiple times per day leading up to surgery.

Your veterinarian will usually have your dog fast the night before the procedure, though they generally still allow your dog to drink water.

Prior to surgery, the vet will examine your dog’s eyes, which should include doing an electroretinogram (a test that measures the electrical activity in your dog’s retina in response to light).

Your vet might also do an ultrasound of your dog’s eye.

An electroretinogram ensures that your dog’s retina is functional. If their retina is not functional, your dog will be blind regardless of whether their lens has a cataract.

Because cataract surgery wouldn’t restore vision, the procedure wouldn’t benefit the dog. The veterinarian will not recommend cataract surgery.

Post-Op Care and Recovery for Cataract Surgery for Dogs

After surgery, your pet will go home with very specific discharge instructions from your veterinarian. They might go home with oral pain medications, such as carprofen.

You should be prepared to provide intensive care to your dog’s eyes after surgery.

This might include putting drops in your dog’s eyes four times or more per day. Medications might be tapered off after several weeks to a month, but some dogs will need eye medications for life to control secondary conditions.

Expect frequent rechecks after surgery that will taper off over time.

Your dog will need to wear a recovery cone until your veterinarian says it can be removed. If your dog is allowed to rub their eye, they might tear the sutures within their cornea.

Soft cones and inflatable donuts that go around the neck are not sufficient for recovery from cataract surgery. You will need to use one of the rigid, plastic cones.

Exercise should be restricted to short walks using a harness.

The pressure that a collar and leash place on the neck can increase the pressure in your dog’s eyes, which can negatively impact healing and put pressure on your pup’s sutures.

Alternatives to Cataract Surgery for Dogs

If cataract surgery isn’t an option for your dog, your veterinarian will recommend monitoring the cataracts for progression. They might recommend topical anti-inflammatories to prevent inflammation within the eye.

If your dog develops glaucoma, they might need medications like dorzolamide and timolol that lower pressure within the eye. These medications are eye drops.

If your dog’s cataracts are progressive, your dog might develop secondary issues over time that can lead to blindness and pain. If this happens, your vet might recommend removing the eye.