Glaucoma

What is glaucoma? 
Glaucoma is elevated pressure inside the eye, which causes visual impairment through damage to the retina and optic nerve. It is always due to problems with the drainage of fluid from inside of the eye, which occurs at the periphery of the eye through the iridocorneal angle. Glaucoma affects a variety of species, including domestic animals. Normal intraocular pressure ranges from 8-20mmHg in dogs and cats, and is measured with a tool called a tonometer. Glaucoma can be classified as primary, secondary or congenital.

What are the signs of glaucoma in animals? 
Glaucoma can occur suddenly or gradually. The initial signs can be non-specific, and range from redness and cloudiness of the eye, squinting, a dilated pupil, vision impairment and enlargement of the eye. Glaucoma can also be painful for your pet, which many manifest as decreased appetite or lethargy. 

 What is primary glaucoma?
Primary glaucoma is the presence of elevated intraocular pressure without any other visible problems to the eye. It is suspected to have a genetic component, and genes associated with glaucoma are known for some breeds of dog. The exact pathogenesis behind pressure elevation is unknown, but it is thought to be due to anatomic problems that are present at birth but manifest or worsen later in life. Primary glaucoma is more common in dogs than cats, but affects both species. It can affect any breed of dog, including mixed breeds, but the most common breeds are the American Cocker Spaniel, Bassett Hound, Siberian Husky, Great Dane and Shar Pei. Primary glaucoma usually affects one eye first, and then some time later affects the opposite eye. The time frame between affected eyes can be days or years.

 What is secondary glaucoma?
Secondary glaucoma is when the pressure in the eye becomes elevated because of another problem inside the eye. The inciting problems include inflammation (uveitis) or blood (hyphema) inside the eye, lens luxation, intraocular tumors and retinal detachment. Secondary glaucoma may or may not affect the contralateral eye depending on what its cause is. Secondary glaucoma affects both cats and dogs, but secondary glaucoma is much more common than primary glaucoma in cats.

What are the treatment options for glaucoma in pets?
Glaucoma can rapidly cause permanent blindness in animals, as well as pain. Prompt veterinary attention is recommended if glaucoma has been diagnosed or suspected. There are a variety of medical and surgical treatment options for glaucoma. 

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Animal Eye Center

Monday - Wednesday:

8:30 am

5:00 pm

Thursday:

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5:00 pm

Friday:

emergency only

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Testimonials

Read What Our Clients Say

  • "Dr. Beth helped our little girl Annabelle several years ago performing cataract surgery. The surgery allowed her to have sight for a few more years. She has since gone over the Rainbow Bridge, but we appreciated Dr. Beth and her team for helping our sweet girl."
    Sue Webb
  • "We wish to express our gratitude to Dr. Beth Gibbins and staff for showing our pup Daisy, such wonderful care. Please, if your pet is having problems, please make any appointment to have her examine them. This may help save you a lot of heartavhe thinking that nothing can be done. Thank you, Dr. Beth"
    Joanie Mitton
  • "Dr. Gibbins is wonderful! My dog, Molly, was 8 when she started losing her sight. She needed cataract surgery immediately and now she is 10 and sees great!"
    Edna Block
  • "Leo is a happy dog! Super happy with our results! He loves Dr. Beth Gibbins! She is awesome at explaining everything!"
    Raina Dawn
  • "Kind and Compassionate to Ace during his eye care!"
    Ramsey Sessions
  • "Dr. Gibbins and her staff are wonderful! They provided a same day appointment for our initial consultation and treatment started that same day. Dr. Gibbins and her staff are kind and compassionate and answered all questions. We had a great outcome and will definitely return with any of our fur babies if a need arises. Thank you Dr. Gibbins and Staff for the superb care for our Bella!"
    Shane and Kristie Fox