{"id":6441,"date":"2021-11-10T15:12:30","date_gmt":"2021-11-10T15:12:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aercmn.com\/?p=6441"},"modified":"2021-11-10T15:12:30","modified_gmt":"2021-11-10T15:12:30","slug":"5-steps-of-your-pets-cataract-surgery","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.aercmn.com\/blog\/5-steps-of-your-pets-cataract-surgery\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Steps of Your Pet\u2019s Cataract Surgery | Veterinary Ophthalmology"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"dog,<\/p>\n

Like humans, our pets can also experience cataract formation! Cataract formation is a common and correctable cause for changes in a pet\u2019s vision. Before we dive in though, let\u2019s first back up and explain this eye disease. Normally, the lens of the eye focuses light onto the retina to create a clear image of the world around us. However, when the lens becomes a cataract, it becomes cloudy or pearl-like within the eye and the image is no longer in focus. The cataract decreases visual acuity, or the ability of the eye to distinguish shapes and details of objects at a given distance. Pets with complete cataract formation can still appreciate light, dark, and shadows.<\/p>\n

C<\/span>ataract surgery\u00a0<\/span>remains<\/span>\u00a0the only method to restore vision in pets (and people!) with vi<\/span>sion loss. For this reason,\u00a0<\/span>we\u2019re<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>sharing the five-step proces<\/span>s to veterinary\u00a0<\/span>cataract<\/span>\u00a0surgeries<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>to<\/span>\u00a0provide pet parents with a better understanding<\/span>\u00a0of the surgery itself, as well as pre-surgery and post-surgery expectations.\u00a0<\/span>So, without further\u00a0<\/span>ado<\/span>, here are the five steps\u00a0<\/span>of<\/span>\u00a0your pet\u2019s\u00a0<\/span>cataract<\/span>\u00a0surgery<\/span>!\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\"dog,\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Step One: The Initial Exam<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n

After your pet is referred to a board-certified ophthalmologist, your pet\u2019s medical history will be reviewed<\/span>. Then, the ophthalmologist and Ophthalmology team will perform a<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>comprehensive eye exam<\/span><\/span><\/a>\u00a0\u2013\u00a0<\/span>which<\/span>\u00a0includes a\u00a0<\/span>microscopic assessment of your pet\u2019s eyes, vision,\u00a0<\/span>eye pressure (<\/span>via\u00a0<\/span>tonometry), tear production (<\/span>via\u00a0<\/span>a\u00a0<\/span>Schirmer<\/span>\u00a0tear test<\/span>),\u00a0<\/span>and fluorescein stain application.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Step Two: Pre-Surgical Testing<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n

Since our pets\u00a0<\/span>can\u2019t<\/span>\u00a0speak, all\u00a0<\/span>cataract<\/span>\u00a0surgery patients undergo screening tests prior to surgery. This helps\u00a0<\/span>to<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>determine<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>if<\/span>\u00a0your pet is\u00a0<\/span>a suitable candidate<\/span>\u00a0for the surgery. These te<\/span>sts include an ultrasound of th<\/span>e eye, electrical testing of the retina (<\/span>via\u00a0<\/span>electroretinogram<\/span>), and screening for glaucoma (<\/span>via\u00a0<\/span>gonioscopy<\/span>).<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Step Three: Discussion about Surgery Pros and Cons<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n

Depending on exam findings and pre-surgical testing, your pet may or may not be a candidate for cataract surgery.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>Either way,<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>we will have a<\/span>\u00a0candid conversation\u00a0<\/span>with you\u00a0<\/span>about your pet\u2019s ability to have a successful surgery outcome, what to expect after surgery, long-term care, and complications.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"ophthalmology<\/p>\n

Step Four: The Surgery<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n

Now for the actual cataract surgery \u2013\u00a0<\/span>which is similar to human cataract surgery.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>It\u2019s worth mentioning that in dogs, cataract surgery has an 80-90% success rate!\u00a0<\/span>After surgery prep, including administration of general anesthesia, here is a brief breakdown of what happens during your pet\u2019s cataract surgery:<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n