Cornea & Sclera Eye Problems in Dogs

Eye problems cause discomfort, pain and confusion when they interfere with a dog's vision. The outer parts of the eyeball, including the lens-like cornea at the front of the eye and the white sclera around the edges of the eye, risk damage due to injury because of their exposed position. These parts provide general structural support, and prevent foreign material from entering the eye. Many cornea and sclera problems stem from injuries, inherited disease or parasitic infections.

  1. Symptoms

    • Cleaning with an eye solution helps keep dog eyes healthy.

      Even slight eye problems can drastically change the behavior and temperament of a dog. When sclera or cornea problems exist, a dog owner often notices general irritation around the dog's eyes. The damaged or irritated eye may cause sensitivity to light, blurred vision, inflammation around or in the eye, discharge from the eye, excessive tears and redness in the eye. Dogs tend to rub painful eyes against the ground, furniture or their paws, often causing additional damage.

    Scleritis

    • When the sclera of a dog's eye becomes inflamed and bumpy, veterinarians diagnose a condition called scleritis. Scleritis indicates the presence of a disease or parasitic infection such as toxoplasmosis or Lyme disease. Treatments vary depending on the underlying disease, but often include steroids to reduce inflammation of the eye tissue. Left untreated, scleritis can result in the loss of an eye and progression of the primary infection.

    Corneal Dystrophy

    • When corneal dystrophy develops, opaque white or gray patches appear on the cornea, usually in both eyes. An inherited disease, it often develops as a dog ages, but can appear at quite a young age in some breeds. If the dystrophy develops deep in the cornea, it may eventually cause blindness. Veterinarians can surgically remove the opaque area as a temporary solution, but the dystrophy will eventually re-appear.

    Corneal Ulcers

    • Scratches, abrasions, lacerations and sores on the cornea all get classified as ulcers. Some dog breeds inherit ulcer causing eye defects. These defects occur often in the boxer breed. Most corneal ulcers appear due to physical trauma such as debris in the eye, cat scratches or exposure to detergent or other household chemicals. Veterinarians usually prescribe medicated drops to treat minor ulcers, and surgery to correct moderate or severe ulcers.