As Baby Boomers reach middle age, many will find themselves reaching for
a pair of glasses to help read small print on everything from maps to newspapers
to prescription labels. While of course your pets won’t be fitted
out with a pair of glasses, they may develop other eye disorders as they
get older.
One of the most common eye problems in older pets is cataract formation. A cataract, which is a change within the lens of the eye, gives a cloudy appearance to the eye. The lens is located behind the opening in the center of the eye (the pupil) and focuses incoming light onto the retina at the back of the eye. When the lens becomes cloudy, it blocks light from passing through and reduces vision. Fortunately, many cataracts in pets can be treated with surgery.
Click
here to see expert pet health care information in The
Merck/Merial Manual for Pet Health:
page 150, Eye Disorders of Dogs
Another
eye disorder common in aging pets, but unfortunately one that may not
show many outward signs, is glaucoma. This is an increase in pressure
within the eyeball itself, which can damage the retina and cause loss
of vision. To detect glaucoma, a veterinarian will use a special instrument
to measure the pressure within the eye. Treatment may include either surgery
or medication.
Click
here to see expert pet health care information inThe Merck/Merial Manual for Pet Health: page 149, Eye Disorders of Dogs
Visit
the Other Common Conditions in Aging: