Ophthalmology

Our Treatment Capabilities

Conditions We Commonly Treat

• Comprehensive Eye Examination
  Our general ophthalmic exam includes a Schirmer tear test to determine if the eye produces enough tears to keep it moist; fluorescein staining to corneal ulcers; intraocular pressure measurement (a test for glaucoma); slit lamp examination (a magnified eye examination) to detect cataract and other intraocular abnormalities; and examination of the retina, called ophthalmoscopy.
• Dry Eye (KCS)
  When an animal has dry eye, the tear glands do not produce enough tears to keep the eye sufficiently moist. This condition is treated most often with drugs, ointments, or eye drops.
• Corneal Ulcers
  A corneal ulcer is caused by disruption of the surface (epithelium) of the clear structure that overlays the iris (the colored part of the eye). Corneal ulcers are often the result of an injury to the eye. This condition is treated with antibiotic eye drops, pain medications, or surgery (in advanced cases).
• Cataracts
  A cataract is a cloudy or milky area in the lens of the eye. When a cataract is advanced, it will make your animal's pupil appear white or cloudy. As a cataract develops, it can cause inflammation inside the eye requiring medical attention. We can work with you to help manage your pet's cataracts and, in some cases, can perform surgery to remove the cataract and replace the lens in your animal's eyes.
• Glaucoma
  Animals with glaucoma have increased pressure inside their eye. The condition is very painful and often leads to blindness. Treatments focus on decreasing fluid production in the eye either by medications or surgery.
• Retinal Degeneration
  This condition is caused by the degradation of cells in the retina, resulting in vision loss. There are many causes of retinal degeneration.
• Examination for Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF)
  The Canine Eye Registration Foundation is a registry of dogs that are certified free of heritable eye disease. Your dog's eyes will be examined by a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist and the CERF form will be completed. Breeding advice will be based on data that has been accumulated for your dog's breed through the CERF and the Veterinary Medical Database.

Advanced Equipment & Capabilities

Our advanced equipment and capabilities include:

• Electroretinogram (ERG) which measures electrical responses in the retina and aids in diagnosing various retinal diseases
• Phacoemulsification equipment for performing cataract surgery
• Diode laser for the treatment of glaucoma and some ocular tumors
• Operating microscopes and ophthalmic surgical instruments to perform intricate intraocular and corneal surgery
• Ophthalmic ultrasound equipment to perform more precise intralocular ultrasound evaluations
• Beta radiation for the treatment of some corneal disease such as squamous cell carcinoma
• Collaboration with our Anesthesia service for the highest quality, dedicated monitoring of our patients during surgery