As big fans of senior dogs, we have a soft spot for those loving, gentle and often cloudy old dog eyes. But why is that cloudiness so common in senior dogs, and what does it mean?
Why are my dog’s eyes cloudy?
One of the most common causes of this phenomenon is a completely normal aging change called nuclear sclerosis (also known as lenticular sclerosis). It affects the lens of the eye, which is the structure that focuses light. Over time, the lens naturally hardens, creating the classic cloudy, blue appearance.
This same process happens in people too and is the reason why many older adults need to wear reading glasses. Since our pets aren’t big bookworms, this farsightedness (that is, difficulty focusing on near things) doesn’t seem to bother them at all.
The other common cause of cloudy eyes in dogs is cataracts, and they’re different from nuclear sclerosis in every way that matters. They block light from entering the eye, creating blind spots in your pet’s vision. A large enough cataract can even cause complete blindness and discomfort. Although sometimes age related, cataracts have many other possible causes, such as genetic predisposition and diabetes mellitus.
Furthermore, to the untrained eye, other diseases may be mistaken for cloudy eyes. For example, dry eye can leave the surface of the eye looking filmy, or a scratch on the eye might cause a fine web of blood vessels to cover the eye.
So how can you find peace of mind that your senior dog simply has nuclear sclerosis and not cataracts or one of these other problems?
An obvious giveaway is that nuclear sclerosis should never cause pain, discomfort, redness or discharge, so any pawing, rubbing or squinting of the eyes indicates a problem.
But since early cataracts are also free of pain or redness, the best way to know for sure is to have your veterinarian take a peek at your pet’s peepers. A fairly straightforward eye exam is all it takes to confirm nuclear sclerosis, allowing you to appreciate your senior’s sweet eyes without reservation.
If your pet is diagnosed with an eye disease, find all the eye drops and medications you need to help them feel better.
