LASIK for dogs? What to do when your pet has trouble seeing
Is there such thing as LASIK for dogs and other pets?
It turns out there is! While it’s not quite the same LASIK procedure that we humans get, different forms of laser eye surgery do exist to correct certain eye conditions in pets. Even though LASIK MD does not perform laser vision correction on animals, veterinarian ophthalmologists can do a similar procedure for dogs, depending on the animal’s condition.
Cataracts, Glaucoma, Nuclear Sclerosis?
Vision problems in pets can be caused by several factors. One of these ocular issues is cataracts. A cataract refers to any opacity of the lens and can occur over weeks or years, in one eye or both. It’s important to note that most age-related cataracts in dogs are quite small and don’t significantly affect vision, and while canine cataract surgery is available, it isn’t the same as laser vision correction.
Laser eye surgery is, however, a good remedy for glaucoma, a disease which causes poor or worsening vision in dogs. Glaucoma damages the optic nerve and can lead to blindness. The eye can appear swollen, red, or sore due to glaucoma, but the disease often goes unnoticed until it is more severe, so regular eye checks at the vet are a good idea. These checks can tell you if your dog could be a candidate for laser eye surgery, due to glaucoma or other eye issues.
Many older dogs’ eyes can also look cloudy. This is caused by a hardening of the lens, called nuclear sclerosis, which is common in older dogs. The good news is that nuclear sclerosis usually does not interfere with a dog’s ability to see, and only rarely leads to problematic cataracts later.
Considering laser eye surgery for your dog? Here’s what to expect
If you think your dog has glaucoma, or you’re worried about your dog’s vision in general, take them to the vet for a consultation. The vet may refer Noodles (or your equally awesomely named four-legged companion) to a veterinary ophthalmologist, since only they can determine whether a dog or pet should have laser eye surgery.
The laser treatment for dogs is similar to LASIK for humans in the sense that they both only take a few minutes, and your dog can come home on the same day or the day after. Noodles will, however, need to wear a cone collar and restrict their physical activity for a few weeks. You’ll also have to administer eye drops four to five times a day during this period, and come for follow-up visits with the vet at the two-week, six-week, three-month, and six-month marks following the procedure.
So, rest assured that it’s possible to get laser eye surgery for dogs if they need it. A LASIK-like procedure may just be what your pet needs