Changes in vision or eye health can happen as pets age. Cataracts are a common cause of vision loss in dogs. Although the condition often compromises vision, most affected dogs who receive proper treatment can maintain a good quality of life.

The Lap of Love team understands that cataracts in dogs can cause you to feel uncertain or worry about your pup’s future. Here’s what you need to know about this common ailment, from diagnosis through long-term management, and when to speak with a veterinarian about your concerns.

What are cataracts in dogs?

A cataract is a hardening and clouding of the eye’s lens. The lens, which sits just behind the pupil and iris, is usually clear and focuses light onto the retina to help produce vision. When a cataract forms, that light becomes blurred or completely blocked. The condition can develop slowly over years or quickly over a few weeks or months.

When cataracts reach an advanced stage, they can cause functional blindness. Some dogs are good candidates for cataract removal surgery to restore vision. However, many dogs live with the condition and learn to navigate the world using their other senses.

Why do dogs get cataracts?

Your dog’s genes are the most likely culprit if they develop cataracts in older age. In some dogs with a genetic predisposition, the condition can also start during puppyhood (i.e., juvenile cataracts).

Another important cause of cataracts in dogs is diabetes. High blood sugar can damage the lens, leading to rapid cataract formation and vision loss. Almost all dogs with diabetes develop cataracts shortly after their initial diagnosis. 

Uncommon causes may include:

* Eye injuries

* Eye inflammation

* Nutritional deficiencies

How to know if your dog has cataracts

You may see a cloudy, bluish, or white haze inside your pet’s eye that may look larger or smaller at different times of day as the pupil changes size. Another telltale sign is a vision change, evidenced by bumping into objects, hesitating to use the stairs, struggling with dim lighting, or becoming anxious in unfamiliar places.

Dogs with cataracts sometimes develop secondary problems, including:

* Eye inflammation

* Lens luxation (i.e., dislocation) 

* Glaucoma

* Retinal detachment 

These conditions can be uncomfortable or worsen vision loss. It’s important to discuss any cloudiness, redness, squinting, or vision changes with your primary vet to rule out other eye issues and discuss potential treatment options.

Diagnosing cataracts and monitoring eye health

Cataracts are often mistaken for a similar condition called nuclear sclerosis or lenticular sclerosis. Nuclear sclerosis is a stiffening of the lens that begins around age 7 in dogs; the exact change that causes older humans to need reading glasses. This condition does not cause vision loss. 

Your vet can usually detect cataracts and differentiate them from nuclear sclerosis during a routine eye exam. They may ask about vision, check reflexes and responses to light, and use a handheld device to measure intraocular pressure (i.e., tonometry). 

If the cataracts develop quickly, cause redness or discomfort, or start at a young age, your primary vet may refer you to a veterinary ophthalmologist. They might also suggest testing your dog for diabetes.

Can treatment restore vision for dogs with cataracts?

Unfortunately, there are no eyedrops or medications that can reverse cataracts. Cataract surgery, or phacoemulsification, is the only way to restore vision in affected pets. The surgery has a reasonable success rate in most cases, but it isn’t the right choice for all pets or pet families.

Only a veterinary ophthalmologist can perform this highly specialized surgery and determine if your pet is a candidate. You should carefully consider and discuss the cost of surgery, risks of complications, and your ability to provide post-operative care with your veterinary team before deciding on a treatment plan.

If your dog is not a good candidate for surgery or you decide not to pursue it, that’s OK. Many dogs live with cataracts since the surgery is elective. Anti-inflammatory eye drops and regular eye exams can help reduce the risk of complications and ensure your dog remains comfortable despite their vision loss. 

How vision impairment affects your dog’s quality of life

Many pet owners worry that a dog who loses vision will become depressed and no longer enjoy life, because we might feel that way about vision loss ourselves. However, dogs are adaptable and quickly learn to rely on their other senses to navigate. 

Helping dogs adjust

Dogs with cataracts may experience a brief adjustment period. They may seem anxious or hesitant at first, but you can help them by offering guidance and support. Avoid “babying” a blind pet by carrying them around all the time, which can actually slow down the adjustment process.

Instead, try these tips to help dogs with vision issues cope:

* Consistency – Avoid moving furniture and keep walkways clutter-free.

* Safety – Use baby gates, nonslip rugs, and nightlights to prevent accidents (e.g., on stairs) and to help your dog navigate.

* Markers – Use scents or tactile mats to mark areas such as food and water stations, doorways, and stair thresholds. You can purchase scent kits for blind dogs and use mats with different textures to help your pup understand their surroundings and build a mental map. 

* Cues – Teach verbal cues, such as “step up,” “wait,” or “careful,” so your dog learns to turn to you in unfamiliar places and gains confidence in movement. Training also helps to keep an aging mind active and healthy.

* Guidance – Walk your dog on a leash to explore new areas together. Gentle physical guidance and verbal cues help your pup learn where things are by smelling or touching items, reducing the risk of serious falls or collisions.

* Engagement – Noise-making toys, chews, puzzle feeders, scent-based “find-it” games, and treats with engaging scents, textures, and tastes help blind dogs stay engaged and learn to play new versions of their old favorites.

Most importantly, continue to treat your dog like you always have. Encourage them to participate in (modified) activities and spend time with the family they know and love.

Avoiding discomfort

Cataracts in dogs are not painful, but when they form, proteins can leak from the lens into the surrounding eye fluid. The body responds with inflammation, which can cause additional, painful eye complications.

Early recognition of these problems can protect your dog’s long-term comfort. Any redness, squinting, swelling, or unusual behavior should prompt a visit to the vet. Following your veterinary team’s advice regarding treatments and recheck visits is also key to maintaining eye health.

Cataracts and senior dog end-of-life care

Cataracts alone typically don’t affect quality of life negatively enough to warrant euthanasia. Many dogs can live a fulfilling life even after losing most or all of their vision. Blindness is a significant change, but most dogs adapt well with support and a safe home setup.

Sometimes, cataracts and vision loss are only one aspect of an overall decline in quality of life. Or, they might cause painful problems like glaucoma. Hospice care, palliative (i.e., pain-controlling) measures, and in-home euthanasia are valid choices if treatments cannot control your dog’s discomfort or cataracts complicate other health issues.

Speak with your primary vet or Lap of Love for help determining how much vision loss or eye pain impacts your pup’s quality of life, and how much other factors, such as mobility, appetite, hygiene, behavior, or your caregiving abilities, are at play.

Compassionate care and in-home euthanasia for dogs with cataracts

If your dog’s cataracts or vision impairment are affecting their quality of life or you have concerns about their safety, speak with your pet’s primary care team or visit a veterinary ophthalmologist to determine if treatment options can help.

Hospice care and in-home euthanasia are available for pet owners who feel their vision-impaired dog is suffering. Contact a Lap of Love provider in your area for help assessing your dog’s quality of life or to schedule a telehospice call or in-home euthanasia consultation.