Cataracts Treatment

Question by Ferret Face: Could my dog be developing cataracts?
I have a Chihuahua/Beagle mix that will be 18 in January. She’s always been in perfect health (other then epilepsy which she is medicated for) and recently going deaf. However, recently I’ve noticed that her eyes appear to be a blueish color. The only difference I notice in her is that she hesitates to go outside when I open the door, I’m not sure if that’s because of her sight, or something else.

At her age I’m sure cataracts are normal (right?), but I’m wondering if she should see a vet about it and whether there is some sort of treatment I could get for her.

Also, are cataracts painful?
Thanks for any help!

Best answer:

Answer by Ed
yes 18 she could be getting cataracts and i cant say for sure but i don’t think they are very painful

Give your answer to this question below!

Question by K A: my uncle is developing cataracts? can it be because he doesnt get his sleep?
my uncle is developing cataracts. he works at night and sleeps during the day or i should say tries to sleep during the day because he has three little kids that wont let him sleep peacefully so he usually wakes up before getting a good sleep and then he feels pressure on his head and eyes so could this be the reason y he is developing cataracts at the age of 45 only???

Best answer:

Answer by formerly_bob
Sleep deprivation doesn’t cause cataracts – the cause is usually genetic, damage from exposure to too much UV light, or aging (which doesn’t apply to a 45 yr old). The good news is that the cloudy lens can be replaced with an artificial one that usually gives people better vision than they had when they were kids – often far better than 20-20.

Add your own answer in the comments!

Question by angelicka: Cataract developing in my dog’s eye.?
I am so upset. He is only four years old. And we are so broke that I am reluctant to go to my expensive vet (we live in Manhattan). Any information and/or personal experiences with cataracts would be greatly appreciated.
It is obviously a cataract. Everyone says it is. I told the vet people and they did not say ‘how do you know’? They said ‘bring him in’ but it’s over one hundred-fifty for visit and then they’ll just refer me to someone else. But you’re right, I know, I just need to get to the vet regardless. I will.

Best answer:

Answer by EssJay
If you have not been to see a vet, who has diagnosed this as a cataract?

Firstly you need a professional diagnosis.

Then you have two choices, either wait for the dog to go blind or get it corrected. #

ADDED; 1) “It is obviously a cataract. Everyone says it is” – errr, do your “everyone’s” have veterinary training? If not why would they know any better than yourself?

2) “I told the vet people and they did not say ‘how do you know’? They said ‘bring him in” – Of course that is what your vet said, because until the vet has seen the dog the vet cannot confirm or deny that it is a cataract!

The important thing is to diagnose WHAT it is, and more importantly, WHAT the cause is. If the dog has developed a cataract because it has diabetes, that is something that MUST be treated. It could be anything, with any cause.

Add your own answer in the comments!

Question by nickipettis: Cataracts are developing in my dog?
Does anyone have personal experience with any of the stuff ( eye drops, or nutritional wafers) that claim to slow or even reverse cataracts in dogs? I know what the websites claim, but i would like to hear some independent experience.

Best answer:

Answer by K-Dawg
My “independent experience” is don’t always trust what you read on websites. If you have any doubt, speak to your vet. They deal with these issues every day of their working life. They’re at the front line when it comes to this stuff. They have the background, the knowledge and access to the latest and greatest information on how to best treat our beloved pets. Trust your vet, speak to your vet, develop a good working relationship with your vet. If you don’t like the advice you get from your vet speak to another and if necessary another and another until you find one you can work with well. Remember it’s your dogs health that’s at stake so getting the right person to entrust the responsibility of looking after them is most important.

Give your answer to this question below!

Question by jane crisostomo: what are the risk factors for developing an early cataract among coastal residence?is it due to air?water?sun?

Best answer:

Answer by Puffy
it’s due to the UV rays from the Sun. So wear UV400 sunglasses whenever outdoor. Eat lots of vegetables and fruits will also help. Age is another factor that contribute to contaract formation.

Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!