It is crucial for your pet’s vision that we detect and treat problems with intraocular pressure (pressure within the eye) as quickly as possible. We can test your dog or cat’s eyes for changes in pressure. The test, performed with a device called a tonometer, is not painful and does not require sedation.
Glaucoma is a condition that results from too much fluid/pressure in the eyeball. If severe glaucoma is not treated immediately (within hours), your pet can have permanent vision loss. Pets that have suffered eye injuries should have this test performed. Certain breeds are prone to developing glaucoma and can benefit from routine pressure measurements. Please call us to discuss whether your pet may be at higher risk for glaucoma.
The other condition we can diagnose with tonometry is anterior uveitis. This is a painful inflammation of the front chamber (in front of the colored iris) of the eye. There are several possible causes for this condition, so once it is diagnosed, we may need to do additional labwork to treat the condition. If anterior uveitis is not treated, your pet can go on to develop painful complications including glaucoma!
Call us right away if you notice any of the following problems in either or both of your pet’s eyes: dilated (enlarged) pupils, clouding of the cornea (the normally clear outer layer of the eye), red or bloodshot eyes, one eye protruding or appearing larger than the other, squinting, or tearing. Because any eye condition is painful, your pet may react by rubbing or pawing at the eyes or rubbing his or her head against the floor or furniture more than normal.
