Glaucoma | Elderly Pet Organization

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a disease of the Optic Nerve. Glaucoma is a condition in which pressure is placed on the eye, causing inadequate fluid drainage in the eye. If the condition becomes chronic or persists without treatment, it will eventually cause permanent damage to the optic nerve, resulting in blindness. According to the AVMA website, glaucoma has long been a frustrating problem for veterinarians. Advances in drugs and surgical treatments have stimulated new research about this disease that can affect the optic nerve.

There are two main types of glaucoma: primary and secondary. Symptoms for sudden primary disease, due to the eye’s inability to drain through the filtration angles of the eye, are as follows:

High pressure within the eye
Blinking of the eye
The eyeball may recede back into the head
Redness of the blood vessels in the whites of eyes
Cloudy appearance at front of the eye
Dilated pupil – or pupil does not respond to light
Vision loss

Long-term, advanced disease:

Enlargement of the eyeball
Obvious loss of vision
Advanced degeneration within the eye

Better imaging techniques help with early diagnosis, while a better understanding of physiology has led to therapeutic drugs—with the most dramatic being latanaprost, which takes advantage of alternative pathways for fluid outflow to reduce intraocular pressure.

If you suspect glaucoma, it is important for your pet to be seen as early as possible. Early intervention and proper medical treatment can help reduce pressure in the eye. In many cases, your pet may need to see a veterinary ophthalmologist. These eye care specialists can determine the best course of action and treatment for your elderly pet.

Should you need help paying for your pet’s medical treatment and care, we are not accepting applications at this time, but you may contact The Pet Fund at 916-443-6007 to inquire about funding for non basic, non emergency care. If you qualify, payment would be made directly to your veterinarian.

We highly recommend pet insurance for parents of elderly pets. Visit our pet insurance facts page for more information about pet insurance and other products that have helped our elderly pets live longer, better lives.