{"id":6230,"date":"2021-08-11T16:05:34","date_gmt":"2021-08-11T16:05:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aercmn.com\/?p=6230"},"modified":"2021-08-11T16:05:34","modified_gmt":"2021-08-11T16:05:34","slug":"what-to-expect-for-your-pets-first-ophthalmology-appointment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.aercmn.com\/blog\/what-to-expect-for-your-pets-first-ophthalmology-appointment\/","title":{"rendered":"What to Expect for Your Pet\u2019s First Ophthalmology Appointment"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"eye<\/p>\n

Like a human ophthalmologist, a veterinary ophthalmologist specializes in all things eye-related! Of course, veterinary ophthalmology is a bit different than human medicine \u2013 after all, pets can\u2019t outright say if they have blurry vision or if they are experiencing pain, and they certainly can\u2019t read letters off a chart for a lens prescription!<\/p>\n

Eye disease can affect our pets at any age, whether they are young or old<\/span>, so primary care veterinarians always check a pet\u2019s eyes during a wellness exam.\u00a0<\/span>While many eye conditions can be treated and managed by a family veterinarian, a referral to a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist may be necessary if a pet is experiencing any changes in vision or comfort.\u00a0<\/span>For those who are unfamiliar with veterinary ophthalmology, here is a brief overview of when to visit a board-certified ophthalmologist and what to expect for your pet\u2019s first ophthalmology appointment.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"cat,<\/p>\n

First off, w<\/span>hat\u00a0<\/span>exactly\u00a0<\/span>is a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist?<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n

A board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist is a veterinarian who is extensively trained to diagnose, treat, and manage eye disease. The minimum requirements to become a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist include completing veterinary school, a veterinary\u00a0<\/span>internship, and a three-year residency program. After finishing a residency, candidates must pass exams and maintain accreditation to remain in the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO).\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How do I know if my pet should see an ophthalmologist?<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n

A family veterinarian often refers a pet to a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist for a comprehensive eye exam if the pet is experiencing vision loss, squinting, and\/or discharge<\/span>, as well as\u00a0<\/span>any need for\u00a0<\/span>ocular surgery.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How<\/span>\u00a0is a complete eye health assessment done on my pet?\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n

A comprehensive eye exam begins with\u00a0<\/span>evaluating<\/span>\u00a0your pet\u2019s vision. A specialized hand-held de<\/span>vice called a slit lamp\u00a0<\/span>biomicro<\/span>scope<\/span>\u00a0is used to\u00a0<\/span>evaluate<\/span>\u00a0the eye surface and eye structures in microscopic detail. The retina is then evaluated using a head-mounted light and specialized lens to complete the exam.<\/span>\u00a0Many common eye problems are diagnosed after a thorough eye exam. However; in some cases, additional testing may be required.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"dog,<\/p>\n

What additional testing may be done to help diagnose my pet?\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n

Veterinary ophthalmologists often use a combination of tests to complete a baseline evaluation of your pet\u2019s eye health. These tests include:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n