Foggy Eye Lenses in Dogs

Types of Cataracts

• There are stages of cataracts. In an incipient cataract, which is the beginning stage of the condition, vision is not usually affected. The next stage is an immature cataract, in which only partial vision is lost and the lens of the eye appears to have only patches of cloudiness. In the case of mature cataracts, the entire lens appears foggy and most vision is lost. The final stage is called hyper-mature cataracts. Full vision loss occurs with this kind of cataract if the eye is no longer functional.
  
  

Causes of Cataracts

• Age and breed are the main contributors to cataracts. Some breeds are prone to developing cataracts as they age, however, it sometimes is hereditary. The age that cataracts begin to form is a factor in a vet's decision on how or why the pet has cataracts. The most common breeds affected include the sheepdog, spaniel and terrier breeds.
  
  

Treatment of Cataracts

• Treatment of cataracts is expensive and limited. Often times, vets do not recommend treatment for cataracts simply because of the delicate surgical procedure involved. Removing cataracts does not guarantee that a pet sees any better than before. The majority of vets offer other options instead of surgery. This includes adding antioxidants to the dog's diet.
  
  

Nuclear Sclerosis

• Nuclear sclerosis is simply the hardening of the lens, and causes the eye to appear gray-blue in appearance. Nuclear sclerosis is not related to cataracts, and only affects near vision. Since dogs do not have good near vision to begin with, it is not usually a problem.
  
  

Causes of Nuclear Sclerosis

• Age is to blame for nuclear sclerosis. As a dog ages, so do her eyes. The lenses are not soft like they were when she was younger. Around 6 years of age, dogs start to develop this hardening of the lens. This happens as the linear fibers become compressed and cause a loss of transparency in the lens.
  
  

Treatment of Nuclear Sclerosis

• Most vets do not treat nuclear sclerosis. It is not a major medical problem. Since it does not affect the vision like cataracts, treatment is neither necessary nor recommended.