Follow Floyd on his cataract journey

1. Pre-Visit Communications with the Cataract Clinic

Effective communication before your visit plays a crucial role in managing expectations and preparing you for the journey ahead. You'll receive detailed information about your initial consultation, including:

An initial health questionnaire.
Advice on preparing for your visits.
Information on the financial aspects involved.

We emphasise the importance of your involvement, especially regarding post-surgical care. To help your pet feel more at ease, we encourage you to bring familiar items, such as favourite toys, on the day of surgery. In exceptional cases, like emergencies, surgery may be performed on the same day as the initial examination, and we'll advise you accordingly.

2. An Initial 30-Minute Ophthalmology Consultation

Understanding Cataracts vs. Other Eye Changes

Not all colour changes within the lens of your pet's eye are cataracts. A common condition that can mimic cataracts is nuclear sclerosis—a natural aging change causing the lens to become more opaque, giving it a gray or bluish appearance. Unlike cataracts, nuclear sclerosis doesn't significantly affect vision and is generally harmless. Understanding the difference is important, as nuclear sclerosis doesn't require surgery.

During your first visit, a 30-minute consultation is conducted to assess your pet's needs and suitability for cataract surgery. Our ophthalmologist will perform a detailed examination using specialised equipment to evaluate:

The degree of cataract change within the eye(s).
Eye functions beyond vision, such as tear production, ocular surface health, eyelid health and function, levels of inflammation within the eye, intraocular pressure, lens stability, and the health of the vitreous (the jelly part of the eye).
Indicators of the eye's visual potential through its recognition of different colors of light.

This consultation includes a discussion of medical history, visual testing, and an explanation of any procedures, expected outcomes, and aftercare.

3. Additional Tests Such as Electroretinography (ERG)

To determine the health of the retina, additional diagnostic tests may be recommended for some patients, primarily in breeds prone to progressive retinal atrophy like cocker spaniels. Electroretinography (ERG) is used to evaluate retinal function and is particularly important in determining if surgery is likely to restore functional vision.

Every patient will also undergo an ophthalmic ultrasound to examine the eye anatomy prior to surgery, typically on the day of surgery. This helps confirm that no retinal detachment is present and that there are no other health issues that might complicate surgery or recovery, ensuring the eye is suitable for lens removal and replacement.

4. Cataract Surgery—What Happens During Surgery

Cataract surgery is conducted using advanced microsurgery techniques, including two-handed phacoemulsification. This involves making two very small incisions into the eye and using an instrument that emits ultrasound waves to break up the cataract before removing it from the eye.

Unlike human cataract surgeries, which are often performed with local anaesthetics, our patients are under general anaesthesia. This includes neuromuscular blockade, enabling the surgeon to operate with the utmost precision.

The surgery duration is approximately 35 minutes per eye, although preparation and wake-up times can vary depending on your pet’s age and health. Pre-surgical preparations include thorough cleaning of the eye area with an iodine solution. During surgery, an artificial intraocular lens is typically implanted to replace the cataract-affected lens, restoring focusing ability. We usually place self-dissolving sutures (stitches) in the two incisions.

5. Recovery and Overnight Stay

Immediately following surgery, your pet will be carefully monitored under nurse supervision. They will be placed in our dedicated recovery area where vital signs such as heart rate, temperature, and overall well-being are continuously observed.

The overnight stay is an important aspect of recovery; your pet will receive medications and attentive care from our 24/7 veterinary team to ensure a smooth and comfortable post-operative experience.

6. Discharge Pack for Owners

The following day, your pet will be discharged with a comprehensive discharge pack, which includes:

Personalised written notes detailing their treatment and medication schedule.
A medication chart to simplify the administration of eye drops, such as antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and pressure-regulating drops (if needed).
Instructions on how to administer these drops and other medications.
A surgical collar (E-collar) to prevent your pet from rubbing their eyes.

Do's and Don'ts Post-Surgery

Post-operative care is important to the success of cataract surgery. Here are key instructions for owners:

Do:

Administer medications as instructed.
Use cooled boiled water to clean around the eyes.
Use a body harness rather than a collar to prevent neck pressure.

Do Not:

Allow your pet to play with toys that may encourage head shaking.
Engage in activities like swimming or playing in dusty environments, as these can risk contamination or trauma to the healing eyes.

7. Revisit Schedule and Follow-Up Care

The follow-up schedule typically consists of five visits during the first three months after surgery, all of which are included in the surgery package. However, a patient is not restricted to five visits; if more are needed to optimise recovery, we will re-examine that patient as needed.

The initial follow-up appointment typically takes place a few days after surgery to assess recovery, followed by further check-ups to monitor healing and adjust medications at increasing intervals.

8. Benefits of Cataract Surgery and Potential Risks

Cataract surgery has a high success rate, with long-term outcomes showing that approximately 80% of the eyes operated on are deemed good surgical successes. We focus on the long-term health and vision of our patients, aiming for a sustained improvement in their quality of life.

While cataract surgery significantly enhances your pet's ability to see and engage with their environment, it’s important to be aware of potential complications which can include:

Glaucoma: Some studies indicate that up to 30% of pets following cataract surgery will experience glaucoma, particularly in certain breeds. Glaucoma is defined as damaging increases in intraocular pressure, which can lead to pain, optic nerve damage, and vision loss.
Retinal Detachment: Occurs in approximately 5–7% of cases. The retina may separate from the underlying layers of the eye, leading to vision loss.
Corneal Ulceration

General anaesthesia also carries inherent risks, such as adverse reactions, respiratory issues, or cardiovascular complications, although these risks are minimised through pre-operative assessment and careful monitoring during surgery.

Preventive Measures and Monitoring:

Glaucoma: Monitoring intraocular pressure is a critical part of post-operative care. Watch for changes in eye appearance such as redness, discomfort, or cloudiness, and report any concerns immediately.
Retinal Detachment: Early detection is vital. Signs such as sudden changes in vision or increased inflammation should be reported promptly.
Corneal Ulceration: Preventive measures include the use of an E-collar to prevent your pet from rubbing their eyes

9. What Happens if Surgery Is Not Undertaken

If cataract surgery is not performed, your pet's vision may continue to deteriorate over time, potentially leading to complete blindness in the affected eye(s). Cataracts can cause significant visual impairment, impacting your pet's ability to navigate their environment comfortably, leading to increased anxiety, disorientation, and a reduced quality of life.

Secondary Complications:

Lens-Induced Uveitis (LIU): Inflammation within the eye caused by the cataract, which can be painful and increases the risk of other complications, such as glaucoma and retinal detachment.
Glaucoma: If inflammation is left unchecked, it can lead to increased intraocular pressure, causing pain and often resulting in permanent vision loss.
Retinal Detachment: The risk increases if there is ongoing inflammation or other complications within the eye.
Chronic Pain and Potential Eye Removal: Without surgical intervention, the eye may become chronically painful, and in some cases, removal of the eye (enucleation) may be necessary to alleviate discomfort and prevent further health issues.

Timely cataract surgery not only restores vision but also helps prevent these secondary complications, contributing to your pet's overall health and well-being.

Closing Remarks

Cataract surgery is a highly beneficial procedure for many pets suffering from impaired vision. Our veterinary team strives to provide the highest level of care, from pre-surgical assessment to post-operative support. By educating you about the journey and addressing common concerns, we aim to help you feel empowered in making the best decisions for your pet.

If you have any questions or wish to schedule an appointment, please don't hesitate to contact us. We're here to support you and your pet every step of the way.

At the Pet Cataract Clinic, we're dedicated to providing pet owners with a comprehensive understanding of cataract surgery in pets. Our goal is to ensure you feel comfortable and informed throughout the entire process—from your first appointment to long term check ups. Below, we've outlined essential information to give you a detailed guide to each step of your pet's cataract journey. If you would prefer to listen to an AI narrated version of this guide, press play: