WHAT IS GLAUCOMA?

In simplest of terms, glaucoma is when there is too much fluid in the eyeball.  The size and shape of the eye is maintained by the amount of fluid within the eyeball.  In a normal animal new fluid is constantly being produced within the eye, and old fluid is constantly being drained.  This fluid, called aqueous humor contains nutrients and oxygen, which are used by the structures in the eye.  In an animal with glaucoma there is a problem with fluid drainage, causing increased fluid build up and pressure within the eyeball.  Some breeds of dogs, like cocker spaniels, are prone to develop glaucoma because of the way their eyes are shaped.  Other pets develop glaucoma as a result of injuries, infections, shifting of the lens, or tumors. 

HOW CAN YOU TELL IF YOUR PET HAS GLAUCOMA?

Glaucoma is very painful!  Pets with glaucoma may hold their eye partially shut and rub at it.  They may turn away as you touch their head or seem depressed.  You may notice a watery discharge and/or the whites of the eye may start to look red and bloodshot.  As glaucoma progresses you may even notice that the eye looks cloudy, swollen or bulging. Glaucoma can occur slowly over time or very rapidly depending on the cause.  Once glaucoma is present, blindness can occur very quickly unless the pressure is reduced.  

We use an instrument called a digital tonopen to detect glaucoma in pets.  The tonopen looks similar to a regular ink pen and is tapped on the eye gently to obtain a digital reading of the pressure in the eye.  It is a good idea to have the eye pressure checked yearly on older pets.   

CAN GLAUCOMA BE TREATED?

If detected early enough glaucoma can be treated with a combination of topical (eye drops) and oral medications, including medication for pain.  More advanced cases of glaucoma may require referral to a specialist for surgery.  If vision is completely lost, removal of the eye may be recommended for the sole purpose of providing pain relief.  But don’t worry; our goal is to use our tonopen and eye exam to detect glaucoma long before this point is reached.