Improving Vision In Dogs Undergoing Cataract Surgery

Ophthalmologists at North Carolina State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine are researching a new therapy to improve vision in dogs undergoing cataract surgery.

The study is testing the effectiveness of a novel intra-ocular drug device.

This is intriguing to me because one of the horses at the friends' farm had a cyclosporine implant. That was the first time I heard of something like that.


Cataracts are a leading cause of visual impairment in dogs and frequently progress to cause total blindness. Surgical treatment is the most common and successful ocular surgeries performed in dogs.

However, inflammation and cloudiness can occur. These are also referred to as "after-cataracts."

Preventing that requires the long-term frequent use of topical eye medications.

This study will focus on testing special intraocular lenses they will provide a sustained release of an anti-inflammatory drug (celecoxib) to prevent "after-cataracts."

If any of you had to give your dog eye drops, you will appreciate the advantage. I certainly would, Jasmine hated getting those and only a very small portion of the drops actually made it into her eye.


Besides the obvious advantage, this approach would also deliver a consistent therapeutic dose of the drug, directly into the eye.


Source article: Veterinary Researchers Test Therapies to Improve Vision in Dogs Undergoing Cataract Surgery