What is a cataract?

By definition, cataracts are opacities of the lens.  The lens is a highly transparent and complex structure.  Disruptions of this fragile system will result in loss of trasparency and decrease in vision.

What causes a cataract?

The most common cause of cataracts in the dog are genetic.  Most breeds and, even mixed breeds, have been found to have genetic cataracts.  The breeds with the highest incidence of cataracts include Boston Terriers, Miniature Poodles, American Cocker Spaniels, Standard Poodles, and Miniature Schnauzers.  The average age of onset for genetic cataracts is 4-7 years.  However, dogs as young as 6 months have developed genetic cataracts and the younger the age of onset of a genetic cataract, the more rapidly the cataract progresses.

Diabetes is the second most common cause of cataracts in the dog.  80% of diabetic dogs develop cataracts within 6 months of diagnosis.  Diabetic cataracts are very aggressive, progress quite rapidly, and can result in sudden vision loss.

Other causes of cataracts include intraocular inflammation, certain retinal diseases, and trauma.

What is the treatment for a cataract?

The treatment for cataracts in dogs is the same as in people - the surgical removal of a lens in a process known as phacoemulsification.  This advanced procedure allows for the complete removal of the lens and placement of an artificial lens that will result in the return of normal vision.  Success for phacoemulsification in dogs is 90-95%.  Success is defined as a visual and comfortable eye.

What may happen if I do not treat the cataract?

Unfortunately, cataracts are not an entirely benign disease.  Failure to remove cataracts may not only result in the progressive loss of vision, but if a cataract becomes very advanced, termed a hypermature cataract, it can result in potentially painful complications such as intraocular inflammation, glaucoma, and lens luxation.