The leading cause of blindness in animals is Glaucoma. Glaucoma is increased eye pressure caused by a buildup of the aqueous humor fluid in the eyes. According to Kerry Meydam from the website BlindDogs.com, glaucoma in dogs is often diagnosed too late to reverse the damage caused by the pressure. Signs of glaucoma include red eyes, squinting, enlarged or protruding eyes, dilated pupils that don't respond to light, and cloudy corneas. Surgery is a common treatment for glaucoma that doesn't respond to medication.
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Types of Glaucoma
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There are two types of glaucoma, primary and secondary. Primary glaucoma develops from hereditary disorders involving the aqueous humor, while secondary glaucoma is a side effect of another disease, such as inflammation, infection, a dislocated eye lens, trauma, or tumors. Surgical treatment options depend on the type of glaucoma.
Cycloablation
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For dogs with partial blindness or only moderate damage, vets often use a laser to perform a cycloablation procedure that destroys the part of the eye that produces aqueous humor and then insert a drainage device. According to Dr. Terri L. McCalla, DVM, of the Animal Eye Clinic in Washington, up to 30 percent of dogs who undergo cycloablation and drainage therapy will require further surgeries.
Enucleation
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If eye pressure has risen high enough to cause blindness, the typical surgical treatment is removal of the eye (enucleation). This procedure is sometimes accompanied by implantation of a prosthetic eye.
Intraocular Prosthesis
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If glaucoma is not causing pain in the eye, a procedure to implant an intraocular prosthesis may be an option. During this procedure, the contents of the eye are removed and replaced with a prosthesis.
Correctable Conditions
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When glaucoma is caused by a correctable condition, such as a tumor or a lens dislocation, surgery to correct the condition may also correct the glaucoma.
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