If you’ve noticed your dog suddenly has cloudy eyes, possible reasons might include nuclear sclerosis, cataracts, and glaucoma.
Changes in your dog’s eyes, like cloudiness, often happen as a natural part of aging. Still, it’s important to pay attention to these changes because they may point to health concerns. One sign to pay attention to is a blue haze in your dog’s eye lens, according to Jeff Feinman, BA, VMD, CVH, of Holistic Actions.
Understanding why your dog has cloudy eyes is an important step to getting the right treatment. Below, we’ll explore common causes for cloudy eyes in dogs, possible treatments, and when to consult a veterinarian.
Nuclear Sclerosis
Nuclear sclerosis is the most common cause of cloudy eyes in dogs. It occurs in dogs of middle age and above, since the centre lens of a dog’s eye becomes increasingly dense throughout their lifespan.
Although nuclear sclerosis can make your dog’s eyes appear a hazy blue, light can still pass through the lens, so their vision usually isn’t affected. This condition usually doesn’t cause any serious complications, and it’s inevitable for many older dogs.
If nuclear sclerosis becomes severe, it could cause difficulty with depth perception, but this is uncommon. In some cases, nuclear sclerosis may lead to the development of cataracts.
It’s best to consult your vet if you notice cloudy eyes or other signs of discomfort, including:
Cataracts
Many conditions can cause cataracts in dogs. Examples include genetics, old age, diabetes, and eye injury or infection.
While cloudiness is usually the first sign of cataracts, other symptoms may include:
- your dog’s eye colour changing to blue or grey
- disorientation or bumping into objects
- signs of eye irritation, like blinking frequently or pawing at the eyes
Any dog can develop cataracts, but some breeds are more prone to them than others. Smooth Fox Terriers, Boston Terriers, Bichon Frises, and Havaneses are more likely to get cataracts.
Cataracts can cause partial or complete vision loss, especially if your dog’s cloudy eyes block light from reaching the retina at the back of the eye.
A small cataract may not cause serious problems, but your vet may recommend treating the cataracts. Surgery isn’t always necessary, but it’s the only definitive treatment for cataracts.
via flickr/nathanmac87
Glaucoma
Healthy eyes produce and drain fluids. But if your dog’s eye can’t drain due to a blockage, pressure can build up and cause glaucoma.
The two types of glaucoma are primary and secondary, explains Jaclyn M Coble, DVM, CCRP, CVA, the CEO and founder of Sea Legs Integrative Veterinary Health.
Primary glaucoma can develop due to genetics in certain breeds with eye physiology that can lead to high pressure. These breeds include Beagles, Basset Hounds, Cocker Spaniels, and Golden Retrievers).
Some dogs can also develop secondary glaucoma due to an issue in the eye that eventually disrupts how the eye regulates pressure.
For example, this condition could develop due to a cyst in the eye, Dr Coble says. Secondary glaucoma may also develop if the lens becomes dislocated, which can prevent the outflow of pressure.
Signs of glaucoma include:
- hazy, red, or squinting eye
- dilated or slow-moving pupil
- lethargy
- lack of appetite
Dr Coble suggests consulting your vet as soon as you suspect any eye issues. “It can be difficult to detect glaucoma before the pressure is high enough for vision loss. It’s also a painful condition, so treatment must be rapid regardless of vision outcomes.”
Your vet may immediately provide an intravenous medication to decrease pressure in your dog’s eye. They may also prescribe medication and other glaucoma treatments you can administer at home.
Anterior Uveitis
Anterior uveitis is an inflammation of the eye’s inner lining that can develop due to various illnesses, including infections.
Symptoms of anterior uveitis in dogs include:
- red, squinting, or cloudy eye
- bleeding in the eye
- Tearing
- accumulation of white blood cells
This inflammation can lead to various eye complications, so early detection and treatment are key for your dog’s comfort and long-term eye health and sight,” says Kenneth Pierce, DVM, MS, DACVO, founder and CEO of VESPECON. The longer your dog’s eye remains inflamed, the more changes can occur—and these changes may lead to impaired vision.
Your vet will likely test blood or urine samples to diagnose and develop a treatment plan, which may include a topical remedy, dark environment, and prescription medication.
Corneal Dystrophy
Corneal dystrophy occurs when the structure or function of a dog’s eyes begins to deteriorate. This condition usually develops due to genetic factors.
The following dog breeds may be more likely to develop this condition, according to Dr Ray Spragley, CPEV, CVA, DVM, at Zen Dog Veterinary Care:
- Chihuahuas
- Dachshunds
- Boston Terriers
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
- Weimaraners
- Cocker Spaniels
- Airedale Terriers
- Beagles
- Siberian Husky
Cloudy eyes are the primary symptom of corneal dystrophy. Dr Spragley recommends consulting your vet if your dog begins to show any clinical symptoms or signs of discomfort.
“In most dogs, treatment isn’t necessary as corneal dystrophy isn’t usually uncomfortable and doesn’t affect their vision,” Dr Spragley says. However, your vet may prescribe a topical acid treatment to help dissolve the mineral deposits that lead to ulcers. In very severe cases, they may recommend surgery to remove the mineral deposits.
According to Dr Spragley, corneal dystrophy is hard to prevent since it’s an inherited condition. However, a low-fat, high-fibre diet can help slow the progression of deposits in the eye.
via flickr/thebilly
When To Get Vet Care For Your Dog’s Cloudy Eyes
According to Dr Feinman, paying attention to changes in your dog’s BEAM (behaviour, energy, appetite, and mood) can help you determine whether the condition is urgent.
If your dog’s eyes have suddenly become cloudy and you notice changes in BEAM, they may have a condition that needs prompt treatment from your vet, he says.
Dr Feinman suggests contacting your vet immediately if you notice any of the following:
- Pain indicators. Whining, rubbing the eye, or increased sensitivity to light.
- Behaviour changes. Increased aggression or anxiety, which could suggest discomfort.
- Physical symptoms. Redness, swelling, excessive tearing, or discharge.
Your vet can perform an exam to find the cause of your dog’s cloudy eyes and recommend the most helpful treatment. Your vet may also prescribe:
- eye drops (to flush out debris and ease minor irritations)
- eye wipes (to safely clean your dog’s eyes)
- medication, including supplements
How To Support Your Dog’s Eye Health At Home
Dr Feinman says you can help promote good eye health for your dog at home in several ways:
- Fresh food. Offer a diet with fresh, high-quality ingredients.
- Outdoor activity. Regular exercise and outdoor activities contribute to overall wellbeing, including eye health.
- Use caution with vaccinations and medications. Follow your vet’s guidance on the right vaccines and medicines for your dog, and pay attention to any possible side effects and your dog’s unique health needs.
- Regular checks. Regularly examine your dog’s eyes for any signs of redness, discharge, or cloudiness. Make an appointment with your vet if you notice any changes or possible concerns.
- Cleanliness. Gently wipe away any dirt or discharge from around your dog’s eyes with a soft, damp cloth. Use a separate section of the cloth for each eye to avoid cross-contamination.
- Proper grooming. Keep the hair around your dog’s eyes trimmed to prevent irritation and help make sure their vision isn’t blocked.
- Diet and supplements. A balanced diet rich in vitamins A, C, E and omega-3 fatty acids can support eye health
That said, it’s always best to get a vet’s advice if your dog has cloudy eyes, especially if the clouding happens suddenly.
