Glaucoma

This condition develops when the pressure within the eye increases. Pets with glaucoma become extremely painful and will eventually go blind without treatment.

The eye has a unique system that continuously flows fluid in and out of the internal part of the eyeball. When this system becomes disrupted, fluid can accumulate. Inflammation of any part of the eye, luxation of the lens, or eye tumors can all disrupt the normal flow within the eye.

Most owners notice the eye appearing reddened or cloudy. The patient may paw at the eye or act lethargic. As the glaucoma progresses, the eye will actually bulge and the patient will start to experience extreme pain.

Aggressive treatment is initiated for 2 reasons: pain control and preservation of sight. Some animals are advanced enough in the disease where they may require hospitalization and injections to rapidly decrease the fluid within the eye. In milder cases and after the initial injections, topical eye drops and oral medications are used. All patients need to see an ophthalmologist to assess need for surgical intervention.Owners should be aware that glaucoma is a chronic condition and patients will need medication for life. In severe cases where pain can not be controlled, the eye may need to be removed. There are implants available that can be inserted to preserve the pet’s appearance. Most pets also develop glaucoma in the other eye within 1 year, so treatment of both eyes is usually warranted.