The lens is a unique living ocular
tissue that is usually clear or transparent and is referred to as "the
crystalline lens" by doctors. The normal lens focuses light on the
the light sensitive nervous tissue located in the back of the eye which
is known as the retina. A cataract is an opacity (or cloudy change) of
the lens that scatters light and looks gray or white. The cataract
usually starts as small dots or microscopic blisters and progresses to
involve larger areas of the lens. The rate of progression is difficult
to predict and may be very slow or quite rapid. When a light is shined
into the eye of a patient with a complete cataract, the patient only sees
a white light and no images can be seen.
The first thing to do if your veterinarian
indicates your pet has a cataract, is to have your pet examined by a veterinary
opthamologist. The lens is an important link of the total visual
system, yet the health of the entire eye should be evaluated before the
lens develops a complete cataract. Not all cataracts lead to blindness.
Evaluation will include the consideration, and the benefit, of cataract
surgery.
Signs such as bumping into objects,
failing to retrieve favorite toys and fear of being left alone may be signs
of vision loss. These are especially significant if they occur within
the pet's home or yard.
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