One vital aspect of your pet’s health is their eyesight. Glaucoma can affect animals as well as people. At Animal Eye Clinic, serving Pensacola and Fort Walton Beach, FL, we will take every step necessary to help animals suffering from glaucoma. Keep reading to learn more about this condition and the treatment options available.
Understanding Glaucoma
Glaucoma is an eye condition defined as increased pressure in the eye. This type of elevated pressure will eventually cause damage to the eyes when left untreated. The pressure can begin to press on the optic nerve, affecting vision and overall eye health. Diagnostic tests for this problem can be done during a visit to the vet.
What Are the Symptoms?
The symptoms of this disorder are somewhat different in animals than in people. You should look for the following signs in your pet’s eyes:
- redness
- foggy or bluish color
- enlarged pupils
- vision problems
- guarding the eyes
A visit to the veterinarian will help determine if your pet has glaucoma or another eye condition. A veterinary ophthalmology specialist can conduct testing to determine the cause of your pet’s symptoms.
What Causes Animal Glaucoma?
This condition is usually caused by a blockage preventing the proper drainage of fluid within the eye. When this fluid cannot properly drain, pressure will build up.
Treatment Options
When you visit an animal eye doctor, they will discuss possible treatment options with you. One treatment option is medicated drops to decrease fluid production. In severe cases, however, laser therapy is needed. During this surgery, the laser will be applied to the eye’s ciliary body. This part of the eye produces fluid. Laser therapy to the ciliary body will decrease fluid production, thus decreasing pressure.
When laser therapy is used, your pet’s vision can often be saved. This method has proven beneficial in cases of animal glaucoma.
How to Prevent Glaucoma
This condition can often be prevented by monitoring the pressure in the eyes, which your vet will do at regular visits. It is also important you check your pet for any of the symptoms listed above. If you notice your pet having a hard time getting around, as if they can’t see where they are going, you should take them to the vet as soon as possible. Be on the lookout for changes to their eye color as well.
Call Us Today
If you would like to learn more about our services, please contact Animal Eye Clinic at one of our convenient locations in Florida: (850)-860-4160 (Pensacola) and (850)-374-3500 (Fort Walton Beach).