Your pet’s vision plays a critical role in their confidence, safety, and quality of life. Yet many eye conditions in pets progress silently, causing gradual vision loss before owners notice any outward signs.

At Port City Veterinary Referral Hospital, our Ophthalmology Service is dedicated to diagnosing and treating eye conditions early, preserving vision, and maintaining eye health for life. Recognizing the signs of eye problems and acting quickly can make all the difference.

Early Signs of Vision Trouble in Pets

1. Squinting or Light Sensitivity Squinting or reluctance to open the eye fully suggests discomfort. Examples of ocular disorders associated with discomfort are eyelid abnormalities, corneal irritation/trauma, intraocular inflammation, and/or glaucoma.

2. Cloudiness or Color Changes A bluish, gray, or white haze over the eye may suggest cataracts, corneal edema, or lens luxation. Changes in color should never be ignored, as they can indicate diseases that threaten vision.

3. Redness or Swelling Red eyes commonly signal something in the neighborhood of the eye is a concern. Rapid onset redness and persistent redness are concerns. Concerns range from dry eye disease, corneal scratches, intraocular inflammation, glaucoma, to orbital disease.

4. Bumping Into Objects If your pet begins hesitating in new environments, struggles in low-light conditions, or bumps into furniture, they may be experiencing partial or complete vision loss.

5. Eye Discharge or Tearing Yellow, green, or thick discharge may indicate conjunctivitis, dry eye disorder or tear duct problems.

6. Vision Loss Bumping into furniture, hesitating in new environments, or startling easily may indicate partial or complete vision loss. Acute vision loss is a priority and necessitates immediate evaluation.

Common Eye Conditions Treated at Port City

• Glaucoma: A painful increase in intraocular pressure that can quickly lead to blindness if untreated.

• Cataracts: Clouding of the eye’s lens, commonly seen in aging pets and diabetic dogs.

• Corneal Ulcers: Open sores on the surface of the eye, often caused by trauma or infection.

• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): An inherited condition causing gradual vision loss leading to blindness.

• Uveitis: Intraocular inflammation that can lead to vision loss and/or glaucoma.

• Dry Eye (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca): Insufficient tear production causing discomfort, redness, and potential damage to the cornea.

• Entropion: This is just one example of many eyelid malpositions that can cause ocular irritation or predispose an animal to corneal disease.

How Port City’s Ophthalmology Team Can Help

Our board-certified veterinary ophthalmologists offer advanced diagnostics and treatments, including:

• Comprehensive Eye Exams that include tonometry (pressure checks for glaucoma), Tear test evaluation, and Fluorescein Staining (detecting ulcers)

• Ocular Ultrasound

• Medical Management of Ophthalmic disease and disorders

• Surgical Management

  • Vision restoration with Cataract surgery and lens implants

  • Corneal Diamond Burr Debridement

  • Corneal transplants

  • Glaucoma surgical options

  • Eyelid repair

  • Laser ablation for feline iris melanoma of ocular diseases such as:

Early intervention is key. In many cases, prompt treatment can preserve vision or, at a minimum, slow the progression of the disease.

For conditions that cannot be reversed, our team provides guidance on adapting to your home environment and teaching your pet to navigate vision loss confidently.

When to Seek an Ophthalmology Consultation

If you notice any changes in your pet’s eyes or behavior related to vision, seek veterinary evaluation immediately. Waiting too long can cause conditions to worsen, sometimes irreversibly.

Ask your primary veterinarian for a referral to Port City’s Ophthalmology Service or contact us directly for more information.

Your pet relies on their eyes to explore the world, trust Port City to help them see it clearly.