If vision loss develops slowly over a long period of time, your pet may adjust to your home and yard. Pets in familiar surroundings may readily move about even when almost blind because they have learned where all objects are. Signs such as bumping into objects, failing to retrieve favorite toys and fear of being left alone may be signs of vision loss. The cause of cataracts is an area continually being studied. Although it may be difficult to name the specific cause of a cataract, cataracts that develop in eyes free of signs of ocular disease are assumed to be inherited.
Inheritance is the major cause of cataracts in dogs and cats.
The type of cataract may not be important for deciding whether surgery may be performed. Cataracts may be classified by age of onset, physical appearance of the cataract or state of development of the cataract. There is no medical treatment known to slow the progression of, prevent the formation of or reverse the changes of cataracts. Surgery to remove the cataractous lens is the only known treatment in animals and man. Successful surgery can provide a return of vision.