Cataract Surgery
What are cataracts?
The lens is the clear structure inside the eye that allows you to focus. Then lens hides
behind the iris so you don’t normally see it. When the lens becomes unhealthy it is called
a cataract and looks white. This prevents light from reaching the retina, causing vision loss.
Causes of cataracts
There are many reasons why cataracts occur. Some of these include: diabetes, hereditary, inflammation inside the eye, retinal degenerative diseases, age, trauma and toxicities. Breeds commonly affected by cataracts include Miniature Schnauzers, Cocker Spaniels, Maltese, Bichon Frises and Labradors.
Treatment of cataracts
Medical therapy alone CANNOT restore vision in patients. It can only help to reduce the inflammation caused by cataracts. Cataract induced inflammation that is NOT controlled can eventuate in painful complications like glaucoma.
Surgery
Cataract surgery is extremely rewarding but requires commitment by the patient, owner and vet. Essentially the same techniques employed in human cataract surgery are used on your dog. Specialised anaesthesia, phacoemulsification via 1.8 mm incision and replacement with an artificial lens are routinely performed.
Patient Safety
Since cataract surgery is elective we ask that all patients over the age of 8 years have blood and urine tested. Other complicating factors like heart disease, airway disease or dental disease should also be discussed with your local vets.
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Evaluation of the Eye
Three important tests need to be done before cataract surgery is undertaken.
1. Gonioscopy – performed in the consult room – assess the risk of glaucoma developing after cataract surgery.
2. ERG – Electroretinogram – performed on the day of the surgery – assess the health of the retina. If the retina is damaged, cataract surgery will not restore vision.
3. Ultrasounography – performed on the day of the surgery – assess if eye structures are healthy and there is no retinal detachment.
Three important tests need to be done before cataract surgery is undertaken.
1. Gonioscopy – performed in the consult room – assess the risk of glaucoma developing after cataract surgery.
2. ERG – Electroretinogram – performed on the day of the surgery – assess the health of the retina. If the retina is damaged, cataract surgery will not restore vision.
3. Ultrasounography – performed on the day of the surgery – assess if eye structures are healthy and there is no retinal detachment.
Prognosis
Each cataract is unique and carries its own prognosis. Your pet’s prognosis depends upon
3 days before cataract surgery
Patient will need to start medications before cataract surgery.
On the day of surgery
Patients must arrive at the clinic at 8 am so they can be admitted for eye drops
before surgery, start intravenous fluids and check their blood glucose if diabetic.
Drops are used for 2 hours before cataract surgery begins.
Do NOT give your dog breakfast on the morning of the surgery.
Access to water is allowed.
Diabetic patients – give ½ of the normal morning insulin dose and NO food.
Diabetic patients – MUST BRING THE FOLLOWNG:
Patients are given an anesthetic
ERG and Ultrasound are performed - if they fail either the procedure is stopped now
Cataract surgery performed
Eye pressure is monitored for the afternoon
Patient is discharged in the afternoon/evening
Patient MUST come the next day for his/her first post-operative check.
Care after Surgery
4 visits are required over the first 4 weeks after surgery. As a guide these are:
DAY 1, DAY 4, DAY 11 and DAY 24 POST SURGERY. These visits are included in the surgery fee. Following this time we advise 6 monthly checks to ensure the health of the eye. These are charged out as revisit consultations.
Drops to control infection, pressure and inflammation are given immediately after surgery. Long term anti-inflammatory and anti-glaucoma drops are usually required.
Keeping quiet is essential - No barking, no playing with other dogs and no walking (going out to the garden to the toilet is fine)
Head collar MUST be worm for the first 7 days.
Complications of Cataract Surgery
Operating early reduces the risk of complications. However even with early cataract surgery some complications can occur.
Glaucoma (Elevated eye pressure)
Uveitis (Inflammation in the eye)
Retinal Detachment (Blindness)
Corneal oedema (Blueness of the cornea)
Is Surgery Necessary?
No as cataract surgery is an elective procedure. Dogs with a good sense of smell, can live happy lives. However dogs with useful vision are more independent and confident.
Each cataract is unique and carries its own prognosis. Your pet’s prognosis depends upon
- Pre-existing inflammation
- Cataract stability
- Age of the cataract
- Age of the dog
- Breed of dog
- Gonioscopy result
3 days before cataract surgery
Patient will need to start medications before cataract surgery.
- Voltaren 3 times daily
- Prednefrin forte 3 times daily
On the day of surgery
Patients must arrive at the clinic at 8 am so they can be admitted for eye drops
before surgery, start intravenous fluids and check their blood glucose if diabetic.
Drops are used for 2 hours before cataract surgery begins.
Do NOT give your dog breakfast on the morning of the surgery.
Access to water is allowed.
Diabetic patients – give ½ of the normal morning insulin dose and NO food.
Diabetic patients – MUST BRING THE FOLLOWNG:
- 2 MEALS IN SEPARATE CONTAINERS
- INSULIN
- YOUR OWN TYPES OF NEEDLES
Patients are given an anesthetic
ERG and Ultrasound are performed - if they fail either the procedure is stopped now
Cataract surgery performed
Eye pressure is monitored for the afternoon
Patient is discharged in the afternoon/evening
Patient MUST come the next day for his/her first post-operative check.
Care after Surgery
4 visits are required over the first 4 weeks after surgery. As a guide these are:
DAY 1, DAY 4, DAY 11 and DAY 24 POST SURGERY. These visits are included in the surgery fee. Following this time we advise 6 monthly checks to ensure the health of the eye. These are charged out as revisit consultations.
Drops to control infection, pressure and inflammation are given immediately after surgery. Long term anti-inflammatory and anti-glaucoma drops are usually required.
Keeping quiet is essential - No barking, no playing with other dogs and no walking (going out to the garden to the toilet is fine)
Head collar MUST be worm for the first 7 days.
Complications of Cataract Surgery
Operating early reduces the risk of complications. However even with early cataract surgery some complications can occur.
Glaucoma (Elevated eye pressure)
Uveitis (Inflammation in the eye)
Retinal Detachment (Blindness)
Corneal oedema (Blueness of the cornea)
Is Surgery Necessary?
No as cataract surgery is an elective procedure. Dogs with a good sense of smell, can live happy lives. However dogs with useful vision are more independent and confident.
