Understanding Glaucoma

Glaucoma in cats and dogs refers to a group of eye conditions that can lead to partial or complete vision loss. This disease results from an abnormal increase in intraocular pressure, progressively damaging the retina and optic nerve. Understanding the different types of glaucoma is crucial for effective treatment.

Types of Glaucoma

Glaucoma is classified into three main categories:

• Congenital Glaucoma: A rare form caused by abnormalities in the anterior segment of the eye, evident at birth or shortly thereafter, potentially affecting vision.
• Primary Glaucoma: Caused by a defect in the iridocorneal angle, impairing the drainage of aqueous humor. It predominantly affects dogs, particularly breeds with genetic predispositions, and is very rare in cats.
• Secondary Glaucoma: Occurs following other eye conditions such as cataracts, anterior uveitis, lens luxation, or intraocular tumors.

Common Symptoms of Glaucoma

Recognizing early signs of glaucoma is essential to promptly act and preserve your pet’s vision. Typical symptoms include:

• Red or cloudy appearance of the eye
• Increased sensitivity and eye pain (reaction to handling, excessive blinking)
• Reduced vision or blindness (pet bumping into objects)
• Unusual brightness of the eye (more visible tapetal reflection)
• Enlargement of the eyeball

It’s important to note that eye redness alone doesn’t always indicate glaucoma; other conditions like conjunctivitis, anterior uveitis, or scleritis present similar symptoms. Accurate diagnosis is therefore critical.

Diagnosing Glaucoma

Glaucoma diagnosis involves a comprehensive eye examination, including intraocular pressure measurement using a device called a tonometer. A veterinary ophthalmologist may perform additional tests to determine the underlying cause and assess the retina and optic nerve.

In some cases, ultrasound imaging may be required to evaluate internal ocular structures and determine disease severity.

Available Treatments

Glaucoma treatment in cats and dogs can be medical or surgical, aiming to reduce intraocular pressure to maintain vision and alleviate pain.

• Medical Treatment: Eye drops and medications prescribed to slow glaucoma progression and improve aqueous humor drainage.
• Surgical Treatment: If medical treatment proves insufficient, surgery may be necessary to reduce ocular damage and enhance the pet’s comfort.

For primary glaucoma, preventative treatment of the unaffected eye is recommended to delay disease onset. Without preventive measures, the second eye usually develops glaucoma within six months. However, appropriate follow-up and treatment can extend this period up to 30 months.

Prompt Treatment is Crucial

It’s essential to note that untreated glaucoma inevitably leads to blindness. Early and aggressive intervention is critical. In some situations, hospitalization and emergency treatment are needed to stabilize your pet’s condition.

If you notice changes in your pet’s eyes, don’t wait—consult your veterinarian immediately.