Very old animals may need this type of surgery. A larger corneal incision is made and after removal of the capsule, the lens is gently expressed from the eye in one piece. In order for your pet to be considered for cataract surgery, it must be free of serious illnesses, skin and dental disease. Pre-operative blood tests are performed in all animals to help rule out any undetected kidney or liver disease. In order for your pet to benefit from surgery, the retina, the tissue in the back of the eye that receives light, must be intact and functioning.
Ocular ultrasound is performed before surgery to make sure the retina is attached.
After cataract surgery as the owner of your pet, you will have a lot of work to do to help achieve a successful outcome from cataract surgery. Several types of eye drops need to be given 3-4 times a day for a few weeks after surgery. Also, oral medications are given for a few weeks after surgery. Eventually topical medications are decreased, discontinued or used in very small amounts. Sometimes, however, an animal may need some medications for extended periods of time.