Cataract Surgery

Cataracts are a common cause of vision loss in dogs and cats. A cataract is any cloudiness or opacity of the lens inside the eye that blocks light from reaching the retina. While cataracts can develop for various reasons, the most frequent causes in pets are genetic (inherited) conditions and diabetes mellitus. In diabetic dogs, approximately 75% will develop cataracts within one year of diagnosis. There is currently no medication that can reverse or reliably prevent cataracts once they begin forming. However, cataracts can often be treated very successfully with surgical removal through a procedure called phacoemulsification, often combined with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation to help restore normal vision.

  • Your pet will be evaluated by a veterinarian with advanced training and certification in ophthalmology. Before the surgery is carried out, several diagnostic tests are performed to determine whether the eye is healthy enough for surgery and whether vision is likely to be restored:- Electroretinogram (ERG): Assesses the function of the retina- Ocular ultrasound: Ensures the retina is attached and there are no hidden abnormalities- Pre-anesthetic bloodwork: Checks your pet's overall health and ability to safely undergo anesthesia- Urinalysis (for diabetic patients): Helps evaluate overall health and rule out urinary tract infections or other concerns that may complicate surgery These tests allow us to plan the safest and most effective treatment approach for your pet.

  • Cataract surgery is performed using phacoemulsification, a technique that uses ultrasound energy to break up and remove the cloudy lens. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and, when possible, an intraocular lens is implanted to restore the eye's focusing ability. Each surgery is tailored to your pet's needs, and they will have a dedicated ophthalmic surgical and anesthesia team throughout the procedure.

  • After surgery:

    - Your pet's eye pressure will be monitored closely for several hours- A full post-op eye exam is performed before they go home - most pets do not need to stay overnight

    - Your pet will go home with eye drops, oral medications, and an Elizabethan collar (E-collar) to protect their eyes during healing

    - A follow-up exam is scheduled approximately two weeks later to assess vision and healing Many pets experience a significant return to vision, especially when surgery is performed early in the course of cataract development.

  • We understand that your pet is family. At our clinic, we provide personalised ophthalmic care using advanced diagnostic and surgical techniques. We aim to make cataract surgery as accessible, transparent, and stress-free as possible.

    We do not perform unnecessary testing or procedures, and we provide clear estimates so you know what to expect. If your dog or cat has been diagnosed with cataracts, early evaluation offers the best chance for a successful surgical outcome.

    Please contact us to schedule a consultation to discuss our services in more detail.

Please click the button below to download a copy of our care sheet for more information on cataract procedures and post-operative care

Cataract Post-Operative Care Sheet