Vision Screening...It's Important For Your Pet!
Does Bingo seem to be having trouble finding that ball? Does Whiskers seem to have trouble judging the height of the countertop? Bring your pet in to Oakhurst Veterinary Hospital for an eye exam today!
There are several components to our eye examinations which may help diagnose the following eye problems: cataracts, conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, glaucoma, and keratoconjunctivitis sicca (also known as "dry eye").
Cataracts are formed when the lens of the eye (which focuses light on the retina) becomes opaque (or cloudy). The eyes will appear to have a grey or blue-grey color. This is generally an inherited condition, but may also be caused by injuries to the eye, diabetes mellitus, or spontaneously with age. Cataracts may or may not cause blindness depending on the severity of the opacity. Our veterinarians can diagnose this condition during an eye examination using an ophthalmoscope while looking into your pet's eyes. Cataracts may be surgically corrected by a veterinary ophthalmologist.
Conjunctivitis is the inflammation of the lining conjunctiva (tissue) that covers the globe of the eye (the eyeball) and lines the eyelids and third eyelid. The animal will have discharge, excessive blinking, squinting, redness or swelling of the eyes. The most common causes of conjunctivitis are bacterial and viral infections, allergies (from smoke or other environmental pollutants), hereditary conditions, trauma or irritation from foreign bodies, tumors, or secondary to another eye disease. Our veterinarians may recommend a corneal stain when conjunctivitis is diagnosed to ensure that the cornea is not damaged.
Corneal ulcers are the results from any trauma to the transparent, shiny cornea (membrane) which makes up from the front of the eyeball. The trauma may be caused simply by the dog rubbing its eye on the carpet, a laceration such as from a cat scratch or sharp object, or a chemical burn when an irritating shampoo gets into the eye. Corneal ulcers are very painful and require immediate medical attention. These abrasions may be visualized with the use of special fluorescein stains. The stains will adhere to an area of ulceration making it easily seen using special ophthalmic lights. The method of treatment will vary depending on the severity of the laceration.
Glaucomas are caused by an increase of pressure of the fluid inside the front or anterior chamber of the eye (also known as the intraocular pressure). This fluid within the eyeball maintains the size and shape of the normal eye. Your pet may partially close and rub at the eye due to the ocular or eye pain caused by the glaucoma. There may be watery discharge, physical swelling and bulging of the eye, the white of the sclera (eye) may be red and engorged, the cornea may become cloudy or bluish in color, or blindness may occur. The pressure is measured by using a tonopen. The intraocular pressure must be reduced immediately through medical treatment or surgery.
Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) is a condition that is commonly referred to as "dry eye". KCS is the medical term for the inflammation of the cornea and surrounding tissues caused from drying due to any condition that impairs the ability to produce adequate amounts of tears. Pets suffering from KCS may have painful, red and irritated eyes. They may blink excessively, squint, or hold the eye shut. The eyes will often have a dull lusterless appearance as well. Our veterinarians can diagnose this condition by measuring the tear production over a one-minute period using the Schirmer tear test.
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