By Dr. Susan M. Carastro, M.S.

A cataract is a cloudiness to the normally clear lens of the eye that scatters light as it enters the eye. The scatter of light may initially only result in a blurry image, but may progress to cause blindness. This may be compared to a window that is frosted or fogged with steam. A cataract can affect anywhere from 1 percent to 100 percent of the lens. The more of the lens affected, the worse the visual impairment. There are many misconceptions about cataracts: It is not a film over the eye, not a cancer, not spread from one eye to the other, and not a cause of irreversible blindness. The causes of cataracts are numerous. They include heritable (genetic) conditions, aging degeneration, congenital (birth defects), diabetes (in dogs), nutritional, electric shock, and trauma. They also could be secondary to other diseases of the eye. Heritable cataracts are noted in younger animals (as early as 6 months up to 6 years of age) of certain breeds including Cocker Spaniels, Siberian Husky, Bichon Frise, Golden Retrievers, and Poodles to name a few. These individuals who are affected with cataracts should be removed from a breeding program and neutered as they may pass the defective gene on to future generations. Older dogs, just as older people may also develop cataracts as an aging degeneration. Some ophthalmologist have the impression that this may be exacerbated by ultraviolet (UV) exposure, which is difficult to avoid here in South Florida. Therefore, we note an increased incidence of cataract formation in the canine population in this area as compared other geographic locations. Nutritional causes are generally noted in puppies who have been fed milk replacers. A deficiency of an amino acid, arginine, was identified as the cause. Some of these cataracts were reversible with arginine supplementation. Many of the commercial milk replacers now have the appropriate levels of arginine necessary to prevent cataract formation. Cataracts will develop in all dogs afflicted with diabetes. In some cases, this may be a very rapid onset causing acute blindness. In others, cataract formation may be slowly progressive. Proper control of the diabetes will aid in slowing the onset of cataracts. Electric shock, such as that noted with biting electrical cords (common at holiday time) or lighting strike may also result in cataract formation. Rarely will these progress to cause visual impairment. Traumatic injuries to the eye may also result in secondary cataract formation. Traumatic injuries may include a blunt blow to the eye or penetrating injury (cat scratch or thorn). Development of cataracts may be noted with other disease of the eye including inflammation of the iris (colored part of the eye), glaucoma or diseases of the retina. Animals affected with cataracts secondary to other eye diseases are typically poor candidates for cataract surgery. A thorough eye exam by an ophthalmologist can detect the presence and extent of a cataract as well as any other conditions that may cause diminished vision or cloudiness to the eye, particularly those involving the retina or optic nerve. If these problems are present, vision may not return after cataract removal. Early evaluation of a cataract is recommended to monitor for other possible complications that may be caused by cataracts, and to monitor for the appropriate time for removal. Presently, there are no medications or dietary supplements that have been proven to treat cataracts. Surgical removal is the only option to retain or restore vision. It is not true that cataracts need to be "ripe" prior to being removed. With the newer techniques for cataract removal used in people and animals, early removal will achieve a higher success rate for restoration of vision. It is a misconception that cataracts are removed with laser. They are removed using ultrasound waves which shatter the lens into small fragments for easy removal from the eye. The diseased lens of the eye is removed with removal of the cataract. The option of a permanent artificial lens implant is available for small animals (dogs and cats) with cataract removal to restore crisp, clear vision. Success rate for restoration of vision with cataract removal is in excess of 90 percent. Clues you may note if your pet has cataracts would include cloudiness to the eye or diminished vision (seems clumsiness, bumping into objects, or missing toys). If you are suspicious, seek evaluation by your veterinarian. There are changes in the eye the may simulate cataracts to a lay person, but will result in no loss of vision. Your veterinarian may aid you in differentiating similar-appearing changes to the eye and ease your concerns. If your veterinarian identifies the presence of a cataract, evaluation by a veterinary ophthalmologist should be considered. -Dr. Susan M. Carastro, M.S., Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists, practices at the following locations: Animal Eye Specialty Clinic, 372 S. Power Line Rd., Deerfield Beach, FL 33442 tel: (954) 421-5099; 3421 Forest Hill Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL 33406, tel: (561) 967-5966; and at 2399 S. Kanner Hwy, Stuart, FL 34994, tel: (561) 220-8485.

Top of Page

		Table of Contents  Our Latest Issue   Advertise   Chatroom  Comics   Contact   Departments   Discussion  Guestbook   Issues   Pet Links Katsation.com & PuppyStation.com Select Main   OR  Home About Advertising Comics Contact Departments Discussion Editors Guestbook Issues Related Sites Pet Links Directory Select Department Departments 20/20 Facts Ask Dr. Jane Ask A Trainer Bird Stop Book Reviews Breeds Cat's Meow Celebrities' Classifieds Dog Time Editorials Exotics Features Fishy Grooming Harry's Kitchen Holistic Care The Spotlight Kids & Pets Open Wide Pet Post Pets In Court Pet Travel While Away Wild Thing  OR Select Issue  Issues Main Covers 1995 Covers 1996 Covers 1997 September 1997 November 1997 Covers 1998 February 1998 April 1998 June 1998 August 1998 October 1998 Covers 1999 January 1999 March 1999 May 1999 July 1999 September 1999 November 1999 Covers 2000 January 2000 March 2000 May 2000 July 2000 September 2000 November 2000 Covers 2001 February 2001 April 2001 July 2001 September 2001 Covers 2002 March 2002 June 2002 November 2002* Covers 2003
	Have the Tyme? Suggest This Page to a Friend! Your Name and E-Mail: Your Friends E-Mail:		Search The Pet Tribune On-Line ! More Search Options !