Expert Veterinary Ophthalmology at Virginia Veterinary Centers, Short Pump

Your pet’s vision plays a vital role in their quality of life. When eye problems arise, early recognition and prompt treatment are essential to prevent discomfort and permanent vision loss. At Virginia Veterinary Centers, Short Pump, our board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist and our ophthalmology team provide advanced diagnostics and treatment for eye conditions in dogs and cats. If you notice any of the following signs, schedule an appointment right away:

Signs Your Pet May Have an Eye Problem

• Redness

• Cloudiness

• Squinting or excessive blinking

• Ocular discharge (watery, mucus, or pus)

• Pawing or rubbing at the eye

• An eye that appears larger than normal

• Sudden vision loss (bumping into objects, difficulty catching treats, disorientation)

Early evaluation can protect your pet’s eyesight, comfort, and overall quality of life.

Common Causes of Vision Loss in Dogs & Cats

Pets can develop many of the same eye diseases as humans. At Virginia Veterinary Centers - Short Pump, we diagnose and treat a wide range of ocular conditions, including:

• Corneal ulcers

• Dry eye (KCS)

• Cataracts

• Glaucoma

Below is an overview of these common conditions.

Corneal Ulcers in pets: The cornea is the clear front surface of the eye that allows light to enter. Because it is exposed, it is vulnerable to:

• Scratches

• Chemical burns

• Foreign objects

• Trauma

The cornea contains many pain receptors, making ulcers extremely uncomfortable.

Signs of a corneal ulcer:

• Redness

• Squinting

• Tearing

• Light sensitivity

Diagnosis involves applying a special fluorescent dye that highlights damaged areas. Treatment depends on the ulcer’s severity and may include medications or surgical intervention. Prompt treatment is critical to prevent deeper injury or vision loss.

Dry Eye (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca or KCS) in pets: Dry eye occurs when the tear glands do not produce enough tears. Most cases are immune-mediated, though certain medications may also contribute to the problem and other causes are less common but possible.

Breeds commonly affected by dry eye:

• Cocker Spaniels

• Bulldogs

• West Highland White Terriers

• Lhasa Apsos

• Shih Tzus

Signs of dry eye:

• Thick, chronic mucus discharge

• Redness

• Discomfort

• Dull or cloudy appearance

Without proper treatment, dry eye can lead to corneal scarring and impaired vision. Diagnosis is simple and involves measuring tear production (known as a Schirmer tear test). Treatment is typically lifelong and includes medications to stimulate tear production and lubricate the eyes.

Cataracts in pets: A cataract is a clouding of the lens inside the eye. The lens normally focuses light onto the retina. When it becomes cloudy, vision becomes impaired.

Common causes:

• Genetics (most common)

• Diabetes

• Age-related changes

Breeds at higher risk of developing cataracts:

• American Cocker Spaniels

• Havanese

• Miniature Schnauzers

• Boston Terriers

• Bichon Frise

• Silky Terriers

• Poodles

Cataracts may start small but can progress and significantly affect vision.

The only effective treatment for vision-impairing cataracts is surgery performed by a veterinary ophthalmologist. The cloudy lens is removed and replaced with an artificial intraocular lens - using techniques similar to human cataract surgery. Our team at Virginia Veterinary Centers - Short Pump can evaluate whether your pet is a candidate for cataract surgery.

Glaucoma in pets: Glaucoma occurs when fluid inside the eye (aqueous humor) cannot drain properly. This leads to increased intraocular pressure, which damages the retina and optic nerve. Glaucoma can cause permanent blindness quickly and is considered a medical emergency.

Signs of glaucoma in pets:

• Redness

• Cloudiness

• Squinting

• Pain

• Dilated pupil

• Enlarged eye (in chronic cases)

A veterinarian can measure eye pressure using a tonometer to confirm the diagnosis. Glaucoma requires lifelong management with medications to control pressure. Even with treatment, some pets may lose vision, making early detection essential.

Vision loss and blindness in pets

Learning that your pet has lost vision can feel overwhelming. Vision loss may occur suddenly (within hours) or gradually over years.

Signs of vision loss:

• Confusion or anxiety

• Bumping into objects

• Reluctance to use stairs

• Difficulty finding food or treats

Depending on the cause, treatment may restore vision. A complete ophthalmic examination at Virginia Veterinary Centers- Short Pump can determine available options for your furry friend. If vision cannot be restored, most dogs and cats adapt remarkably well using their strong senses of smell and hearing.

Protect Your Pet’s Vision

Your pet’s eyesight is essential to their comfort and quality of life. Any signs of redness, cloudiness, squinting, discharge, or behavioral changes should be evaluated immediately.

If you are concerned about your dog or cat’s vision, contact us at Virginia Veterinary Centers - Short Pump today to schedule a comprehensive ophthalmic examination: (804) 353-9000.

Early diagnosis can make all the difference!