Should my senior dog have cataract surgery?
Cataract surgery is not a lifesaving surgery. It is more a choice you must make if your vet indicates blindness will result. None of us want our dogs to go blind, but anti-inflammatory drugs combined with Occu-Glo may help. Sometimes cataracts can become very painful in which case surgery is the best option.
How old does a dog have to be to get cataracts?
Hereditary cataracts, Fife says, tend to form in dogs at a young age—between 1 and 5 years old.
What’s the success rate of cataract surgery for dogs?
According to Michigan State University’s Veterinary Medical Center, the long-term success rate of uncomplicated cataract surgery in dogs is about 85% to 90%. This means that at least 85% of cataract surgeries result in a dog who can see and has no increased pressure within the eye for at least one year.
Is it safe to have a cataract surgery?
Fortunately, cataract surgery is safe, frequently conducted, and painless. By replacing your natural (clouded) lens with an artificial one, you will experience restored vision without the risk of cataracts returning in the future.
When to take a nap after cataract surgery?
You will be provided with a protective shield for your eye that should be worn during sleep (even naps) for at least the first week after your cataract surgery. This will help you avoid rubbing your eyes and/or causing an accidental injury to your eye while it is in the recovery phase.
What to do with your eyes after cataract surgery?
Do not wear eye makeup and consider avoiding face cream or lotion. To prevent irritation of the eyes, avoid settings with higher levels of dust, wind, pollen, and dirt. Wear sunglasses on bright days. This may need to continue for up to a year after cataract surgery.
According to Michigan State University’s Veterinary Medical Center, the long-term success rate of uncomplicated cataract surgery in dogs is about 85% to 90%. This means that at least 85% of cataract surgeries result in a dog who can see and has no increased pressure within the eye for at least one year.
Is it safe to have cataract surgery on both eyes?
A 2018 study of people with cataracts in both eyes found that participants who had surgery on one eye reduced their risk of car crashes by 61%, compared with the year before the procedure. But car accidents aren’t the only risk. Research shows that cataracts increase the risk of falls.
When do you need artificial lens for cataract surgery?
This artificial lens is durable and never needs to be replaced in most cases. Cataract surgery clears vision in about 95% of cases. In addition to correcting the cataract, the artificial lens placed during cataract surgery often can correct distance or close-up vision, if needed.
Why do people have to have cataract surgery?
One common reason people consider cataract surgery is to improve their vision so they can still drive safely. A 2018 study of people with cataracts in both eyes found that participants who had surgery on one eye reduced their risk of car crashes by 61%, compared with the year before the procedure. But car accidents aren’t the only risk.