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Cataract Surgery for Dogs

We Are Scotland's Trusted Veterinary Cataract Surgeons

You may be able to tell if your dog has cataracts. Symptoms most often present as a cloudy, white, or bluish-gray appearance of the pupil, bumping into furniture or walls, or difficulty finding toys, food bowls, or treats. It is important to take your dog to the vet as soon as possible if you think they might have problems with their vision. Cataract surgery has a high success rate in dogs if dealt with in an appropriate time frame. 

Here at View Referrals, our surgeons are some of the most experienced in the UK when it comes to cataract removal surgery. We apply all the knowledge, expertise, and experience we have gained over years to any pet that comes through our doors. If you are interested in having your pets eyes assessed please ask your vet to refer you to us via our online referral form or get in touch via our advice form.

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Cataracts vs Normal Aging

Many older dogs develop lens sclerosis (also called nuclear sclerosis), which causes a bluish haze in the eyes but usually does not significantly affect vision. Cataracts, by contrast, create a more opaque white or cloudy appearance and can lead to partial or complete blindness.

How We Assess Your Dog’s Eligibility for Cataract Surgery

Before considering cataract surgery, each patient receives a thorough ophthalmic and general examination to determine if it is safe for us to carry out the surgery. Besides understanding your pet’s medical history and the severity of their cataracts, we look for signs of any other issues which may influence the anaesthetic or surgical success, with the aim of making things as safe as possible for your pet, and maximising the chance of a positive outcome. 

At View Referrals, we perform cataract removal with advanced phacoemulsification (where the cloudy lens is broken up and removed via key-hole incisions) and, where possible, implant intraocular lenses (IOLs) to restore vision fully.

Potential Risk Factors

While our surgeons are highly qualified and experienced in cataract surgery in dogs, any surgery carries risks.

During or shortly after surgery

  • Inflammation inside the eye (uveitis)
  • Increased eye pressure (glaucoma)
  • Corneal swelling or edema 
  • Infection 
  • Bleeding inside the eye

Longer-term complications

  • Retinal detachment  
  • Posterior capsule opacification
  • Increased pressure inside the eye 
  • Chronic inflammation 
  • Vision loss despite surgery 

There are also risk factors involving general anaesthesia, especially if your dog is elderly or has any other health problems e.g. heart or kidney disease, but these can often be managed once we know about them and don’t necessarily mean surgery isn’t an option. 

Our Surgeons

Michael combines years of clinical experience with a longstanding commitment to veterinary ophthalmology. Following graduation in 2006, he led a successful veterinary practice before focusing his career on eye health, gaining advanced ophthalmology qualifications in 2012. Today, he provides expert care for patients with both routine and complex eye conditions.

With extensive experience in advanced cataract and retinal surgery, Richard is regarded as a leader in his field. His skill in performing intricate ophthalmic procedures has helped restore vision for countless patients, while his dedication to education has enabled him to mentor and train veterinary professionals both nationally and internationally.

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Get Your Dog’s Eyes Assessed By View Referrals

If you think cataract surgery may be necessary for your dog, ask your vet to refer them to us at View Referrals via our online referral form. Alternatively, you can ask for our advice on your pet’s condition using our contact form. 

For urgent matters, please call us on 07344 407 630.

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Our services include

Our surgeons are some of the most experienced in the UK at lens removal surgery. We utilise advanced phacoemulsification technology to remove cataracts and, where possible, place intraocular lenses (IOLs) to restore clear vision.

We perform intricate procedures to treat deep corneal ulcers, perforations and other corneal pathology, using techniques such as corneo-conjunctival transposition grafts.

Expertise in resolving painful conditions like entropion (in-turning lids), ectropion, and the removal of eyelid tumours or ectopic cilia.

Our comprehensive treatment plans for cats, dogs, and other small animals includes medical management and advanced surgical options to control intraocular pressure.

Surgical repositioning of the prolapsed gland of the third eyelid to maintain tear production and eye health.

Detailed examinations using slit-lamp biomicroscopy, tonometry (pressure testing), and chromatic Pupillary light tests to assess retinal function.

If you pet has an eye problem, then we will be here to help.