Lens luxation is a pet health condition that occurs when the lens becomes dislocated or displaced within the eye. Normally, the lens is held in place by tiny fibers called zonules between the iris and vitreous. When these zonules break, the lens can become either partially or completely dislocated. A partial dislocation of the lens is known as subluxated while a complete dislocation is luxated. If the lens falls forward and into the anterior chamber of the eye, it is called anterior luxation. If it falls backward into the rear part of the eye, it is called posterior luxation.
How Lens Luxation Affects Your Pet
When pets can develop a lens luxation from one or both of the lenses. If your pet’s eyes become dislocated from their normal position behind the cornea. This can be an extremely painful condition for your dog or cat. Additionally, when left untreated, the condition can lead to partial or complete blindness.
Common Symptoms of Lens Luxation
Unfortunately, there are often no apparent symptoms of sublaxation or posterior luxations; however, your veterinarian will be able to detect the conditions during an eye exam. On the other hand, there are a few noticeable symptoms that will occur with anterior luxations. Common Symptoms of Lens Luxation in Pets are listed below: Sudden Change in the Eye’s Appearance, Cloudy or Milky-Colored Eyes, Apparent Eye Discomfort, Squinting, Keeping One or Both Eyes Closed, Watery Eyes and Inflammation of the Eye.
Treatments for Lens Luxation
Treatment for lens luxation will vary depending on the exact location of the lens, whether or not glaucoma is present, and whether or not your veterinarian determines that vision is still possible. However, the main goal is to reduce the pressure in the eye, remove anterior luxated lenses if necessary and treat any underlying causes of the disease. It is essential to note that many of these cases are emergencies and must be treated immediately. If treatment is not performed within 48 hours, your pet can become blind. If glaucoma is present, your vet may prescribe such medications as osmotic agents, anti-inflammatory agents, and/or antiglaucoma medications. If uveitis is present, carprofen can help. If the lens is located in the front chamber of your pet’s eye, surgery may be required to remove the lens. If your dog or cat is blind or is in pain, complete removal of the eye or inserting a prosthesis inside the eye may be necessary.
Breeds Affected
There are two types of lens luxation, and they are primary and secondary. Primary lens luxation is an inherited condition that occurs in certain breeds of dogs. On the other hand, secondary lens luxation can develop in both dogs and cats due to another eye condition.The breeds most vulnerable to primary lens luxation are the Jack Russell Terrier, Parson Russell Terrier, Toy Fox Terrier, Tibetan Terrier
Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
