Cloudy Eyes in Dogs Causes, Treatments, and Is Surgery Necessary?

Cloudy white eyes in your dog... what's wrong with them? When you notice cloudy eyes in a dog, what treatment options are available? Many dog owners may have noticed their dog's eyes becoming cloudy for no apparent reason. Many owners worry this means their dog has cataracts, or not -- but did you know that cloudy eyes may not be caused by cataracts alone? There can be other causes too, some of which can be treated without surgery. Cloudy eyes can be a source of pain and may be a sign of certain eye diseases, which, if left untreated, could become severe enough to eventually lead to permanent vision loss.

Cloudiness can occur in several parts of the eye, such as the cornea, the aqueous humor, the lens, or the vitreous body, and the severity can vary depending on the location affected. The common causes of cloudy, whitish eyes in dogs include the following:

1. Age-related eye changes (Aging Change) -- as dogs age, the lens may become cloudy due to age-related degeneration (Nuclear Sclerosis) or cataracts. Corneal edema from degeneration of the corneal layers, or primary glaucoma, can also occur.
2. Traumatic injury to the eye, or eye infections, such as corneal ulcers or corneal scars resulting from a wound, or uveitis (inflammation of the uvea).
3. Metabolic disorders in the body, such as diabetes, which can lead to diabetic cataracts.
4. High blood lipid levels, which can lead to corneal lipidosis.

Genetic eye disease -- certain dog breeds are more prone to breed-specific eye diseases than others, such as:

• Cataracts -- commonly found in Boston Terriers, French Bulldogs, Schnauzers, Poodles, Cocker Spaniels, Labradors, and Siberian Huskies
• Corneal dystrophy -- commonly found in Shetland Sheepdogs, Cocker Spaniels, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Samoyeds, Boston Terriers, Chihuahuas, and Dachshunds
• Dry eye -- can cause corneal inflammation, leading to cloudy, whitish eyes and discharge. Commonly found in Shih Tzus, Yorkshire Terriers, and Pugs

What Are the Symptoms of Cloudy Eyes in Dogs, and How Is It Treated?

What's the proper way to treat cloudy eyes in dogs? A dog may begin to show signs of eye pain and blurred vision. In early or mild cases, there may be partial vision loss, but if left untreated for a long time, or in cases with a severe underlying cause -- such as cataracts, uveitis, a severe infected corneal ulcer, or glaucoma -- this can lead to permanent vision loss. That's why owners need to watch closely for these abnormal signs.

If you notice any of these signs, bring your dog to the animal hospital right away for prompt diagnosis and treatment. Treatment approaches generally target the underlying cause. For example, if the lens has become cloudy due to age-related changes -- appearing bluish or grayish -- but your dog can still see, this doesn't cause blindness; it only affects distant vision, so treatment may not yet be necessary, though regular checkups for cataracts are still needed. However, if it progresses to a severe stage of cataracts where the dog can no longer see because the lens has become completely opaque and white,

the only effective treatment is surgery to remove the old lens and replace it with an artificial one, which allows the dog to regain their vision. For dry eye, which causes discharge, redness, and watery eyes, treatment involves artificial tear drops and tear-stimulating medication. For corneal degeneration or corneal edema, eye drops may be used to help reduce swelling and relieve symptoms. More severe conditions require urgent treatment, such as corneal ulcers, which need eye drops to treat the wound and control infection -- or if the wound is deep, surgery to suture the cornea may be needed to prevent infection inside the eye that could lead to blindness.

Uveitis and glaucoma may require anti-inflammatory eye drops or medication to reduce eye pressure. In some cases, laser treatment is needed to reduce pressure inside the eye, since severe cases can cause significant pain.

Cloudy Eyes Caused by Cataracts

"Cataract" is the term used to describe clouding of the eye's lens, usually appearing as a cloudy white or abnormal yellow color. In the final stage, the dog will be unable to see at all, because the clouded lens blocks images and light from entering the eye.

Diagnostic Steps for Cataracts at the Hospital:

1. Eye examination -- the veterinarian will conduct a thorough eye exam to classify the type, location, and severity of the cataract, including measuring eye pressure and a detailed examination of the vitreous body and retina.
2. Blood test -- to check for diabetes
3. Cardiac assessment via chest X-ray and ECG (for older dogs)
4. Eye ultrasound to assess degeneration of the vitreous body, retinal structure, and to measure the size of the artificial lens to be implanted
5. ERG (electroretinogram) to assess retinal function and determine whether there is degeneration, and to evaluate vision

Treatment of Cataracts in Dogs

Medical treatments, such as anti-cataract eye drops or various vitamin supplements, have no research supporting their effectiveness in treating cataracts. Therefore, the best method is surgery to remove the cataract using high-frequency ultrasound (Phacoemulsification), followed by implanting an artificial lens. This surgery uses the same technique as in humans, with a small incision -- 3 mm (without an artificial lens) or 4.5 mm (with an artificial lens implanted). After surgery, the dog regains their vision immediately.

In summary, if you notice your dog's eyes starting to look cloudy or more blurred than before -- even if it's just beginning and not yet severe, with no signs of eye pain -- you should still consult a veterinarian promptly and bring your dog in to determine the cause, assess the severity, and begin treatment based on the underlying cause right away. You should not buy eye drops from a pharmacy to use on your own, since if the cause turns out to be one of the severe conditions described above, this could risk permanent loss of vision for your dog.

Thonglor Pet Hospital, an Animal Hospital Open 24 Hours a Day

For pet owners who care about their pets and want round-the-clock consultation and care, with both online and onsite services available, we recommend Thonglor Pet Hospital. We offer a full range of specialized treatment centers, such as our dermatology and allergy center, feline cardiology center, and treatment for cloudy eyes in dogs. Most importantly, our team of veterinarians, nurses, and staff are always close by, 24 hours a day -- no matter when illness strikes, we're ready to care for your beloved pet at all times (please make an appointment in advance).

In addition, our veterinary team, nurses, and hospital staff have all been thoroughly trained in understanding pet behavior, giving you confidence that your beloved pet will be happy and safe while you're away on a long trip. If you're interested in our pet boarding services or other offerings, please contact us using the details below.