You trim their nails and brush their teeth, but how do you care for your pet’s eyesight? How do you know if your furry companion is having vision issues? And how does your veterinarian check your pet’s eyesight? August is National Eye Exam Month and Rollin’ Vets is here to answer all your questions regarding your pet’s eye health.
First and foremost, it’s imperative that you regularly check your pet’s eyes, especially as they get older. You can do so by trimming away any hairs that may rub against the eye, causing irritation and potential damage to the transparent surface of the eye (the cornea).
what should you look for when examining your pet’s eye?
The sclera should not look inflamed or red, and there should not be any abnormal discharge or excessive tearing.
is it time to schedule an eye exam?
Monitoring your pet’s eyes is an important part of their overall health. If you notice your pet is experiencing any of these symptoms, call Rollin’ Vets ASAP to schedule an appointment.
what’s involved in an eye exam?
It should come as no surprise that pets cannot read eye charts like we humans do. So how does the vet evaluate your pet’s vision? The doctor may toss an object in the air, like a ball, to see if your pet follows the object. Another method the vet may use is the “Menace Response Test,” where the doctor places their finger close to the pet’s eyes to see if they blink in response. Additionally, the vet will examine the tissues surrounding the eye and eyelids, along with the surface of the eye, where the doctor will shine a light into the eyes to evaluate if the pupils constrict normally.
In some instances, the vet may have to conduct more intricate eye tests. For example, if there is a corneal scratch or ulcer, a small amount of dye is placed in the eye. The dye helps make the injury visible and transparent on the surface. Similarly, the vet may assess the inside of the eye by dilating the pet’s pupil, enabling the doctor to better see the lens, retina, blood vessels, and optic nerves. The vet may further test the pet’s tear production and measure the eye pressure to test for conditions, such as glaucoma.
Being able to identify any potential vision issues is the first step to ensuring optimal eyesight for your pet. If you have any concerns or questions, please contact us at 713-987-3237. We are here to help!