VIP Advice
VIP Advice
Why Do My Dog’s Eyes Look Blue?
2 Minute Read
By Dr. Karie Johnson | Healthcare | July 2019
Why Do My Dog’s Eyes Look Blue?
2 Minute Read
By Dr. Karie Johnson | Healthcare | July 2019
By Dr. Karie Johnson | July 2019
NUCLEAR SCLEROSIS VS CATARACTS
There are two reasons a dog’s eyes look blue: Cataracts or Nuclear Sclerosis.
NUCLEAR SCLEROSIS
Nuclear sclerosis (also known as lenticular sclerosis) is a normal aging change of the lens within the eye. It causes a dogs eyes to have a hazy, blue, cloudy appearance to them.
It occurs as the lens fibers in the eye harden, compress and become more visible due to age. Your dog can still see through their old lens fibers just maybe not as good as they used to when they were younger!
The changes to their eyes happen gradually and it is not painful. We typically start to see this condition in pets over 6 years of age.
CATARACTS
Cataracts bring a worse prognosis for vision and can lead to complete vision loss if untreated. They cause a white layer inside the eye. This layer is not see-through and can completely block light from entering the eye leading to blindness.
Vision loss occurs even with the smallest amount of cataract in the eye. Most Pet Parents first notice their furry family members change in behavior, such as them bumping into things or not being able to see a treat that is in front of them.
Sometimes cataracts are caused by an underlying disease process, so your veterinarian may want to do additional testing if cataracts are found. Occasionally, cataracts can occur practically overnight. If you see a rapid change in your pet’s eyes, please see your veterinarian immediately for further evaluation.
Your veterinarian can differentiate between nuclear sclerosis and cataracts with an eye exam. Make an appointment if you are concerned about your pet’s vision or a change in their eyes.
Author: Dr. Karie Johnson, Co-Founder of VIP Vet Visit
Dr Karie is a companion animal & equine veterinarian in the Chicagoland area. Her desire to strengthen the human-animal bond while providing enhanced preventative care led her to start VIP Vet Visit – an at-home veterinary care option that provides less stress, more convenience and better care.
NUCLEAR SCLEROSIS VS CATARACTS
There are two reasons a dog’s eyes look blue: Cataracts or Nuclear Sclerosis.
NUCLEAR SCLEROSIS
Nuclear sclerosis (also known as lenticular sclerosis) is a normal aging change of the lens within the eye. It causes a dogs eyes to have a hazy, blue, cloudy appearance to them.
It occurs as the lens fibers in the eye harden, compress and become more visible due to age. Your dog can still see through their old lens fibers just maybe not as good as they used to when they were younger!
The changes to their eyes happen gradually and it is not painful. We typically start to see this condition in pets over 6 years of age.
CATARACTS
Cataracts bring a worse prognosis for vision and can lead to complete vision loss if untreated. They cause a white layer inside the eye. This layer is not see-through and can completely block light from entering the eye leading to blindness.
Vision loss occurs even with the smallest amount of cataract in the eye. Most Pet Parents first notice their furry family members change in behavior, such as them bumping into things or not being able to see a treat that is in front of them.
Sometimes cataracts are caused by an underlying disease process, so your veterinarian may want to do additional testing if cataracts are found. Occasionally, cataracts can occur practically overnight. If you see a rapid change in your pet’s eyes, please see your veterinarian immediately for further evaluation.
Your veterinarian can differentiate between nuclear sclerosis and cataracts with an eye exam. Make an appointment if you are concerned about your pet’s vision or a change in their eyes.
Author: Dr. Karie Johnson, Co-Founder of VIP Vet Visit
Dr Karie is a companion animal & equine veterinarian in the Chicagoland area. Her desire to strengthen the human-animal bond while providing enhanced preventative care led her to start VIP Vet Visit – an at-home veterinary care option that provides less stress, more convenience and better care.
