What Are Cataracts in Dogs?

In dogs, the lens of the eye is normally clear and transparent, allowing light to pass through and reach the retina at the back of the eye, where visual information is processed, explains Antje Joslin, DVM, co-owner of Tolleson Animal Clinic in Tolleson, Arizona, and veterinary consultant for Dogtopia, a dog daycare center with locations across the U.S.  

Cataracts occur when protein fibers in the lens of the eye clump together, causing the normally clear lens to become cloudy, Dr. Joslin adds. These clumped proteins can interfere with the passage of light to the retina, which can cause blurred vision and, in more severe cases, partial or complete blindness. 

Dog cataracts develop in stages: 

• Incipient: A small, early-stage cataract that affects less than 15% of the lens. They’re often pinpoint-sized and don’t affect the dog’s vision.  
• Immature: At this stage, the cataract has expanded to cover between 15% and 99% of the lens. Vision is noticeably affected but not completely lost, and the degree of impairment can vary. 
• Mature: The cataract now covers the entire lens, resulting in severe vision loss or complete blindness. Dogs with mature cataracts may only be able to detect light and dark. 
• Hypermature: As the cataract progresses, the lens begins to shrink, and the lens capsule may appear wrinkled. This stage often triggers inflammation in the eye, known as lens-induced uveitis. 

Cataracts in dogs usually appear as a cloudy or milky-white area in the center of the eye. They form in the lens, which sits behind the iris (the colored part of the eye) and the pupil. The cloudiness can range from a mild haze to a thick, opaque film, depending on how advanced the cataract is. 

Dr. Joslin points out that cataracts are often mistaken for lenticular sclerosis, a normal age-related change in the lens commonly seen in middle-aged to senior dogs.  

Lenticular sclerosis creates a bluish, transparent haze over the pupil, but unlike cataracts, it doesn’t significantly affect vision and no treatment is necessary. A veterinarian can distinguish between the two during an eye exam. 

Some signs that your dog may have cataracts include: 

• Cloudy or milky-white lens  
• Clumsiness or bumping into things 
• Reluctance to jump or go up/down stairs 
• Difficulty seeing in low light 
• Increased eye rubbing or pawing 
• Seeming more anxious, clingy, or hesitant due to vision issues 
• Eye redness  
• Squinting, pawing at their eye(s), or rubbing their face/head on the floor or along furniture 
• Bulging of your dog’s eye globe 

While cataracts themselves are not painful, they can cause secondary complications such as uveitis, glaucoma, and lens luxation, all of which are typically painful, says Ann Bosiack, DVM, MS, DACVO, a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist and founder of Veterinary Vision Specialists in Richmond, Virginia. 

The most common cause of cataracts in dogs is a genetic (or inherited) defect.  

Hereditary cataracts may occur as early as birth or develop during a dog’s youth or middle age.  

Some breeds that are more genetically predisposed to developing cataracts include: 

• American Staffordshire Terrier 
• Cocker Spaniel 
• French Bulldog 
• Labrador Retriever 
• Miniature Poodle 
• Miniature Schnauzer 
• Boston Terrier 
• Siberian Husky 
• Yorkshire Terrier 
• Welsh Springer Spaniel 

The second most common cause of cataracts in dogs is diabetes mellitus, which can lead to rapid cataract development. 

Other, less common, causes of cataracts in dogs include: 

• Old age, especially in dogs over 8 years old 
• Eye trauma 
• Uveitis (inflammation of the eye’s uvea) 
• Low blood calcium levels (hypocalcemia or hypoparathyroidism) 
• Nutritional deficiencies 
• Exposure to UV light, radiation, or toxic substances 

The first and most important step is having your dog evaluated by a veterinarian, who may refer you to a veterinary ophthalmologist, says Sydney Edwards, MS, DVM, DACVO, a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist and owner of Animal Eye Center in Rocklin, California.  

“Early referral is ideal so we can manage any inflammation caused by the cataract, such as lens-induced uveitis, and monitor progression closely,” she explains. “That way, we can recommend surgery at the optimal time to give the patient the best chance at a long-term, comfortable, and functional eye, with a 90–95% success rate.” 

To confirm whether your dog has cataracts and determine the severity, a veterinarian will: 

• Perform a physical eye exam, to look for cloudiness or changes in the lens 
• Check vision, to test how your dog responds to light and movement 
• Use an ophthalmoscope, to examine the inside of the eye more closely 

A newly diagnosed cataract is then followed up with blood work to rule out underlying diabetes, Dr. Joslin says. You’ll also be referred to a veterinary ophthalmologist who can evaluate whether lens replacement surgery is an option, she adds.  

As for cataracts in dogs treatment, Dr. Bosiack says the only option is surgery—specifically phacoemulsification, which is the same advanced technique used in humans.  

“During this procedure, the cloudy lens (cataract) is removed, and in most cases, we replace it with an artificial lens to restore vision,” she explains.  

However, not all cataracts require immediate surgery. If the cataract is small and not yet affecting your dog’s vision or quality of life, your vet may recommend monitoring it and giving anti-inflammatory eye drops, says Dr. Edwards. 

Once a diagnosis is confirmed, there are several ways you can support your dog’s eye health and well-being as they navigate the monitoring phase or wait for treatment. 

Give any prescribed eye drops consistently and attend all follow-up appointments. Some options include Flurbiprofen Sodium Compounded Ophthalmic Solution and Ketorolac Tromethamine Ophthalmic Solution. 

If your dog’s vision is impaired, avoid rearranging furniture and consider putting down non-slip rugs to give your dog better traction and confidence.  

Talk to your dog when approaching and guide them with your voice or hand to help them feel secure. 

Ensure your dog has a cozy bed where they feel safe to rest. A few good options are the FurHaven Comfy Couch Orthopedic Bed, the Bedsure Orthopedic Bolster Sofa Bed, and the FurHaven Ultra Plush Luxe Lounger Orthopedic Bed. 

Dogs experiencing slowly developing cataracts may benefit from eye health supplements, such as Animal Necessity Ocu-GLO and Zesty Paws Senior Advanced Vision Bites.  

These supplements contain vitamins and powerful antioxidants that may help slow progression, though Dr. Bosiack says they won’t reverse cataracts. 

Watch for signs of discomfort, inflammation, or worsening vision, and alert your vet if anything changes. 

If you’re wondering how to prevent cataracts in dogs, Dr. Bosiack explains that most are caused by genetics, which means they can’t be prevented.  

However, there are steps you can take to help lower the risk of cataracts that aren’t genetically driven. 

• Maintain good blood sugar control. If your dog has diabetes, carefully managing their condition can help reduce the risk of cataract development, Dr. Bosiack says.  
• Protect their eyes from trauma. Avoid situations where your dog could injure their eyes, such as rough play or unsafe environments. 
• Feed a balanced, nutritious diet. Proper nutrition supports overall eye health and may reduce the risk of cataracts.  
• Consider eye health supplements. With your vet’s guidance, consider eye health supplements, like Animal Necessity Ocu-GLO, to support your dog’s overall eye health.  
• Protect their eyes from UV exposure. If your dog spends a lot of time outdoors, especially in sunny areas, ask your vet about dog-safe eye goggles, like the Rex Specs V2 Dog Goggles.  
• Keep up with regular vet checkups. Routine exams can help catch cataracts and other eye issues early before they worsen. 

Q: What is the cost for cataract surgery in dogs? 

A: Cataract surgery for dogs typically costs between $2,700 and $4,000, depending on your location, the stage of the cataract, and if one or both eyes need surgery.  

Q: Will my dog go blind? 

A: Not all dogs with cataracts go blind, but without treatment, cataracts often worsen and can lead to partial or complete vision loss. If your dog’s vision becomes significantly impaired, surgery can often restore their sight. 

Q: How long can dogs live with cataracts? 

A: Cataracts themselves don’t affect a dog’s lifespan. Many dogs live full, healthy lives after they are diagnosed with cataracts, especially if the condition is monitored and treated properly.