Veterinary care
Ways to get care
Visit information
Pet wellness plans
Virtual petcare
Pet Chat™ information
Locations
MyBanfield
Puppy wellness plans
Kitten wellness plans
Dog wellness plans
Cat wellness plans
Inquire
Wellness plan FAQs
Pet health articles
Senior care
Dental care
Diet and nutrition
Ear care
Parasites
Fleas
Ticks
Mites and mange
Worms
Skin and coat care
First aid
Vaccinations
End of life care
Bblog
Podcast - Not Just Fluff
Video Vault
About us
Contact us
Our leadership
Shop
Locations/appointments
eye problems in senior dogs and cats: glaucoma and more
As your dog or cat ages, their eye function and appearance may change.
We’ll take you through signs and symptoms, common senior pet eye conditions, and ways to help your pet with a vision issue.
Signs of an eye issue in older pets
- Cloudy appearance of eyes
- Pawing at eyes or face
- Swelling eyes
- Discharge from eyes
- Running into objects
- Confusion or apprehension
- Easily startled
- Odd or different appearance of the eye or eye lid
Common eye issues in senior dogs and cats
- Nuclear sclerosis
- Cataracts
- Glaucoma
- Dry eye
- Iris atrophy
- Tumors in the eye or eyelid
Safety considerations for senior pets with vision issues
- Keep surroundings mostly consistent
- Pet-proof your home
- Add texture to flooring
- Use verbal cues
The truth about old dog eyes and old cat eyes
Senior pets commonly have more chronic eye issues than their younger counterparts. This is due to them having a higher chance of experiencing medical conditions that increase their risk of disease or injury.
Signs your senior pet has an eye issue
Eye problems can occur anytime in a dog or cat, and symptoms look similar no matter the age of the pet. These include:
- Cloudy appearance of eyes
- Pawing at eyes or face
- Swelling eyes
- Discharge from eyes
- Running into objects
- Confusion or apprehension
- Easily startled
Common eye issues in senior cats and dogs
Senior pets can experience a range of conditions that affect their eyes. Here are some of the most common.
Nuclear sclerosis
This is the most common age-related eye condition. It’s when the lens gradually hardens and is less pliable and able to focus. It can cause the eye to develop a hazy, white, “cloudy” look that owners often confuse for a more serious condition called cataracts (info on that below).
Nuclear sclerosis is not painful and often requires no treatment. However, if your pet is bumping into objects or experiencing any additional symptoms, it’s time to talk to your vet.
It's common in both dogs and cats. Nuclear sclerosis most often occurs in dogs starting around age 6–7 years old, and around age 8–9 for cats.
Cataracts
The first sign of cataracts is similar to that of nuclear sclerosis — the eyes have a cloudy appearance. This can occur in one or both eyes, most often for senior dogs over 7 and senior cats over age 10. You may also notice your pet bumping into objects or being generally apprehensive about movement.
Cataracts typically get worse over time and can cause blindness. If this is the case, your vet may recommend surgery to replace the lens in your pet’s eye(s). This is typically done by a veterinary ophthalmologist.
There are several causes of cataracts, including hereditary, metabolic (diabetes), and congenital. Dogs with diabetes often develop cataracts. This is not the case with cats, although cats can get cataracts.
Glaucoma
Intraocular pressure (IOP) is the pressure of fluid inside the eye. IOP typically decreases as pets age — but if it increases, it can often lead to glaucoma. Glaucoma in cats most often occurs after age 10 and between ages 5–10 in dogs, but some breeds are more genetically predisposed and may develop it earlier.
Primary glaucoma is due to an anatomical abnormality in a pet’s eye, which causes the IOP to progressively increase. Secondary glaucoma occurs after an eye injury or along with a disease. If your pet is rubbing their eye(s) and/or shows signs of discharge or swelling, please see your vet as soon as possible.
This condition can cause blindness quickly and is difficult to treat, so it’s important to get help at the first signs of glaucoma. There are surgical and nonsurgical options out there. Talk to your vet to see what they recommend for your pet.
While glaucoma in cats is less common than in dogs, it can still develop—often as a secondary condition caused by injury or disease. Symptoms may be subtle, so if your cat shows signs like squinting, eye swelling, or behavioral changes, contact your vet right away.
Iris atrophy
Sometimes senior dogs over 6-8 years old and cats over age 10 experience iris atrophy, where the colored portion of their eye becomes thinner and has a cracked, torn appearance. This can also affect the pupil and lead to light sensitivity.
Iris atrophy doesn’t usually require treatment, but if you notice your pet squinting or squirming in bright lighting, contact your veterinary team. Since many eye conditions produce similar symptoms, it’s important to get it assessed by a professional.
Both dogs and cats can develop iris atrophy.
When to call the vet for an eye problem
- Red, swollen, or painful eyes
- Sudden vision loss
- Heavy discharge or crusting
- Repeated pawing or rubbing
Safety modifications for a pet with vision loss
Along with medication and/or surgery, there are some safety measures you can implement to help a senior pet experiencing vision problems.
Your senior pet is getting used to a "new normal,” so now is not the time to rearrange the furniture in your home. Leave the same doors open that you usually leave open. Keep their bowls in the same place, keep their litter box in the same place, etc.
Assess your home for any furniture or doorways with sharp edges that your pet has access to. Add padding to these areas. Block off staircases. Pick up clutter to avoid tripping. Remove heavy objects that could be easily knocked or tipped over.
An effective way to lead your pet to certain locations is with textured flooring. Try putting down rugs or yoga mats in spots your older dog or cat frequents — like by their food and water bowls or next to their bedding.
Since you and your pet can’t rely on visual cues anymore, it’s helpful to adopt more verbal cues. Talk to your senior pal as you move around your home and especially before you get close to and touch them. This will help lessen their chances of being scared or startled.
Ask your vet about an eye exam
If your senior dog or cat shows signs of eye trouble, talk to your veterinarian. A quick eye exam could catch problems early — while there's still time to treat them.
Custom care that grows with your pet
You can save more than 30% by bundling your pet’s preventive care with an Optimum Wellness Plan. On top of comprehensive exams, vaccinations, and diagnostic testing, these convenient packages also include unlimited office visits, 24/7 Pet Chat™, discounts on most Banfield products, and more.
Our NEW Senior Care Optimum Wellness Plan includes our most in-depth diagnostic testing yet. This helps us detect changes in organ function and overall physical health, so that we can begin any recommended treatment as soon as possible.
Senior Care
Designed to help detect early signs of age-related illness.
This plan combines essential services like vaccinations and exams with in-depth diagnostic testing.
See what’s included in Senior Care
Senior Care Plus
Designed to help detect early signs of age-related illness and support additional dental needs.
This plan includes all the services in our Senior Care plan plus a dental cleaning.
See what’s included in Senior Care Plus
doggie dilemma? cat conundrum?!
