Cataract Surgery
In the past, veterinarians waited for near blindness in both eyes
before attempting cataract surgery. I am not sure of the reasoning
behind this, but feel that it had a lot to do with the success rate
of the surgery. In the past (prior to 1969), the success rate for
cataract surgery was generally believed to be poor. Consequently, if
the dog had any vision at all, its chances were just as good with or
without surgery for long term vision. At this time, it is felt that
the long term success rate is 90% or better for cataract surgery, if
the patient is carefully selected. A cataract can be a source of
visual problems in other areas of the eye if it is left alone
-leakage of proteins from the lens can lead to inflammation in the
eye, which can lead to glaucoma, which makes removal of the lens
(cataract) much less likely to succeed. So currently, the
recommendation is to remove the affected lens as soon as significant
visual deficit is present. However, there are some criteria for
deciding if your dog is a good surgical candidate that you might
want to consider:
1. You must be willing to spend a significant amount of money AND
provide a significant amount of aftercare!
2. Any inflammation present in the eye must be controlled PRIOR to
surgery.
3. The retina should be evaluated prior to surgery to make sure it
is functioning - the surgery may not be justified if your dog will
not be able to see when it is over.
4. No other disease can be present in the eye.
5. Your dog must be cooperative about being handled and medicated.
If not, the outcome of the surgery is seriously jeopardized. Be
honest with yourself about this.
6. Your dog should be in good health. If your dog and you are good
candidates for this surgery, it is worthwhile.
