Insidious Eyesight: Six Common Eye Problems to Watch for in Elderly Pets

Have you ever noticed your pet's eyes seem cloudy, less bright or look like they're producing too much eye gunk as they get older? As our pets age, an area that often shows signs of aging is the eyes. Eye problems in elderly pets can range from mild discomfort to serious conditions that require veterinary attention. Understanding the six most common eye issues, their symptoms, and treatment options is a must for any pet owner whose aim is to ensure their senior pet remains healthy and comfortable. Your dog's vision is of utmost importance to their independence and maintaining quality of life.

A Quick Look at Your Dog’s Eye Anatomy

Understanding the basic anatomy of your dog’s eyes can make it easier to spot when something isn’t quite right. A dog’s eye functions much like our own, with a cornea (the clear outer surface), a lens that focuses light, a retina that captures images, and an optic nerve that sends visual information to the brain. Dogs also have an additional structure we don’t, a third eyelid (also called the nictitating membrane), which provides extra protection and helps distribute tears across the eye. Surrounding these structures are tear glands and eyelids that work together to keep the surface clean, moist, and healthy. Because each component plays a role in maintaining clear vision, even small changes in one part of the eye (like cloudiness in the lens or opaqueness on the cornea) can signal the start of a bigger issue. Knowing what a healthy dog eye looks like makes it much easier to recognize early signs of trouble in your senior.

Common Eye Problems in Elderly Pets

Cataracts

What Are Cataracts?

Cataracts are among the most recognizable eye issues in older dogs and cats. They occur when the normally clear lens inside the eye becomes cloudy or opaque, blocking light from reaching the retina. This cloudiness can range from a small spot to the entire lens becoming white or bluish, leading to blurry vision or complete blindness. While they are more common in dogs, cats can also develop cataracts, though it is less frequent.

Causes and Clinical signs to look for

In elderly pets, cataracts are often the result of aging, just like in humans. However, other causes include Diabetes (diabetic cataracts), genetic predisposition, eye trauma/injury and inflammation of the eye. If you believe your pet may have cataracts, here's what to look for:

• Cloudy or white appearance in one or both eyes

• Difficulty seeing, especially in dim light

• Bumping into objects

• Hesitancy in navigating familiar spaces

Treatment

Unfortunately, cataracts can’t be reversed with medication, but surgery can often restore vision completely. During the procedure, the cloudy lens is removed and replaced with an artificial one.

If surgery isn’t an option due to cost or other health concerns, your veterinarian can help manage any underlying disease (like diabetes) and monitor progression. Keep your pet’s environment consistent. Avoid rearranging furniture and provide good lighting. Even if vision declines, most pets adapt remarkably well to familiar surroundings and supportive care.

What happens if cataracts go untreated?

When left untreated, feline and canine cataracts can do more than just block vision. They can lead to serious complications within the eye. As the cataract matures, it can cause lens-induced uveitis (inflammation of the uvea), which is painful and can result in permanent damage to other structures of the eye. Over time, this inflammation can cause increased intraocular pressure, potentially leading to secondary glaucoma. This condition that can cause irreversible blindness and severe pain. In advanced cases, untreated cataracts may even lead to lens dislocation or rupture of the lens capsule. For these reasons, early diagnosis and ongoing monitoring by your veterinarian are essential, even if surgery isn’t immediately pursued. Timely management helps keep your pet comfortable and preserves any remaining vision for as long as possible.

Glaucoma

What Is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is another common eye problem in older dogs and cats. It occurs when the fluid within the eye (aqueous humor) does not drain properly, leading to increased pressure that can damage the optic nerve. If left untreated, glaucoma can cause irreversible blindness.

There is both primary or secondary glaucoma.

Primary glaucoma:

A genetic condition where the drainage of eye fluid is naturally faulty. This is more common in certain dog breeds like Beagles, Basset Hounds, and Cocker Spaniels.

Secondary glaucoma:

Caused by an underlying issue, such as eye trauma, infection, or inflammation that leads to increased intraocular pressure (IOP).

Signs of Glaucoma

• Red, inflamed eyes

• Excessive tearing or discharge

• Squinting or keeping the eye closed

• Dilated pupils that do not respond to light

• Cloudiness in the cornea

• Eye pain (manifested by rubbing the face, irritability, or lethargy)

Treatment

Glaucoma is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. Treatment options include medical treatment to reduce intraocular pressure or surgery to improve fluid drainage. In severe cases of acute glaucoma, where the eye is painful and vision is lost, removal of the eye (enucleation) may be recommended. If one eye is affected, your vet may also treat the other eye preventively. Regular check-ups with a veterinary ophthalmologist can help monitor eye pressure and preserve vision for as long as possible.

Dry Eye (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca)

What Is Dry Eye?

Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca, commonly known as dry eye, occurs when the tear glands fail to produce enough tears to keep the eye lubricated. This condition is more common in senior dogs than cats, especially in certain breeds like Bulldogs, Shih Tzus, and Cocker Spaniels. Tears are essential, they not only keep the eye moist, but also help remove dust and protect against infection. When tear production drops, the eye becomes dry, irritated, and prone to damage.

What Causes Dry Eye?

The causes of Dry Eye are mainly aging, immune-mediated disease, chronic inflammation, and side effects of medications. Tear production naturally decreases with age. In immune mediated disease, the immune system attacks the tear glands and diminishes tear production. Long-term inflammation of the eye or tear ducts can also lead to dry eye.

Clinical signs

• Red, inflamed eyes

• Thick, yellowish discharge

• Squinting or blinking excessively

• Crusty buildup around the eyes

• Cloudy or dull appearance to the cornea

• Sensitivity to light, especially bright light

Treatment

Dry eye is typically managed with daily application of artificial tears or ophthalmic ointment to stimulate tear production. In some cases, surgery may be required to redirect saliva-producing glands to the eyes to keep them moist. To diagnose dry eye, a veterinary ophthalmologist will take a Schirmer tear test to measure tear production. A special paper with measurements is introduced between the lower eyelid and the eyeball. It is kept in place for a predesignated period of time and tear production is measured after the paper is removed. Consistency is key as many pets need lifelong treatment. With proper care, dry eye can be well controlled. This will prevent painful corneal damage and keep your pet comfortable.

Corneal Ulcers

What Are Corneal Ulcers?

Corneal ulcers are open sores or abrasions on the surface of the cornea (the clear outer layer of the dog's eye). They are more common in dogs, particularly breeds with protruding eyes like Pugs and Bulldogs, but they can also affect cats. The cornea protects the eye from debris and infections, so even a tiny scratch can quickly worsen if left untreated.

Causes of corneal ulceration

Injuries like scratches, trauma, or foreign objects in the eye can lead to ulcers. Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections can cause corneal damage that can ulcerate the cornea. Dry eye, long term inflammation or other eye problems can also cause ulcers if left unnattended.

Signs of Corneal Ulcers

• Excessive tearing or discharge

• Squinting or blinking

• Pawing at the eye or rubbing the face on the ground

• Redness or swelling of the eye

• Cloudy or opaque appearance of the cornea

Treatment

Treatment of ulcers depends on the severity. Mild ulcers can heal with antibiotic eye drops and ointments, but more severe ulcers may require surgery to repair the cornea. Prompt veterinary care is essential to prevent complications like infections or vision loss. Corneal ulcers are painful and urgent. Follow your vet’s care instructions closely and keep up with all recheck visits until the eye fully heals.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

What Is PRA?

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is a degenerative condition that affects the retina, leading to gradual vision loss and, eventually, blindness. It is more commonly seen in elderly dogs, though cats can also be affected.

Causes

PRA is a genetic condition, and certain breeds are more predisposed to it. It’s usually seen in older pets, but it can begin in middle-aged animals and progress over time.

Symptoms

• Night blindness (difficulty seeing in low light)

• Reluctance to go outside at night

• Dilated pupils

• Cloudiness in the eyes

• Bumping into objects or difficulty navigating

Treatment

There is no cure for PRA, but managing the pet’s environment to prevent injury and providing supportive care can help maintain their quality of life. Antioxidants and certain supplements may slow the progression in some cases, but the condition is generally irreversible.

How Is PRA Different From Age-Related Retinal Degeneration?

It’s easy to confuse PRA with another condition seen in senior pets called senile retinal degeneration, but the two aren’t the same. Neither are considered to have acute onset but PRA is an inherited disease in which the retina deteriorates over time, usually starting in middle age and eventually leading to complete blindness. Senile retinal degeneration, on the other hand, is simply a normal change that occurs in very older dogs and cats. It tends to progress much more slowly and often causes only mild vision decline. Unlike PRA, it isn’t inherited, doesn’t follow a predictable pattern, and typically doesn’t lead to total blindness. Understanding this difference helps pet owners avoid unnecessary worry while still recognizing when a retinal problem may require closer monitoring by a veterinarian.

Lenticular Sclerosis

What Is Lenticular Sclerosis?

This disease is often confused with cataracts, is a common age-related change in the lens of the dog's eyes. It causes a bluish-gray cloudiness but doesn’t usually affect vision as severely as cataracts. It’s common in dogs over the age of seven and rarely causes significant vision problems.

Causes

It occurs naturally with aging as the lens fibers become denser, making it harder for light to pass through.

Symptoms

• Bluish-gray haze in the center of the affected eye

• Slight difficulty seeing in low light

• Usually painless

Treatment

Lenticular sclerosis does not require treatment, but regular vet check-ups are important to distinguish it from cataracts and ensure it’s not affecting your pet’s vision. Providing a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins A and E can help maintain overall eye health as your pet ages.

Keeping an Eye on Your Senior Pet’s Vision

Here are a few simple steps you can take at home to help maintain healthy vision:

1.) Check their eyes weekly: Look for redness, discharge, cloudiness, or squinting.

2.) Clean gently: Wipe away eye gunk with a damp, soft cloth—never use alcohol or harsh wipes.

3.) Provide good lighting: Older pets see better in well-lit environments.

4.) Keep hair trimmed: Especially around the eyes to prevent irritation.

5.) Feed for eye health: Diets rich in antioxidants (vitamin C, E, lutein, beta-carotene, and zinc) support retinal function.

6.) Schedule regular vet visits: Annual or semi-annual eye exams can catch early changes before they progress.

The Role of Nutrition and Supplements in Eye Health

While no diet or supplement can cure major eye diseases, nutrition plays a meaningful role in supporting eye health, especially in aging pets whose eyes may be more vulnerable to oxidative stress, inflammation, and age-related decline. Many high-quality senior diets are formulated with increased antioxidants, which are nutrients that help neutralize the free radicals that can damage delicate eye structures like the lens and retina. Vitamins C and E, for example, help protect cells from oxidative wear and tear, while beta-carotene (a precursor of vitamin A) supports healthy vision and can strengthen the eye’s ability to adapt to changes in light. Minerals like zinc also play a fundamental role in retinal function. These nutrients don’t reverse disease, but they help maintain healthier eyes and may slow the progression of mild age-related changes.

Omega-3 fatty acids, especially DHA and EPA, are another widely recommended nutritional component for eye health. Found in fish oils, like Omega Love, and some algae derived products, omega 3s support the health of the retina and may reduce inflammation associated with chronic eye conditions. They can also improve tear film quality in pets with mild dry eye. Owners interested in supplements should always look for products specifically formulated for dogs or cats, ideally with clear sourcing and quality control, since human supplements can contain unsuitable or unsafe ingredients for pets.

Increasingly, diets and supplements that include lutein and zeaxanthin (carotenoids known to concentrate in the retina) are being explored for their potential benefits. These compounds can act like internal sunglasses, absorbing harmful blue light and offering antioxidant protection. While clinical research in dogs and cats is ongoing, early findings are promising. And for owners already using functional mushroom supplements (like Buddy Guard), it’s worth noting that many mushrooms, such as shiitake and maitake, are naturally rich in antioxidants and beta-glucans, which support overall immune health. Though they are not treatments for eye disease, they can be incorporated into a holistic wellness plan that supports an aging pet’s general health.

Ultimately, nutritional support should complement and not replace veterinary care. An eye-healthy diet helps create a strong foundation, but early detection, routine exams, and condition-specific treatments remain the cornerstones of protecting a senior pet’s vision.

What to Expect at the Vet

A veterinary eye exam is gentle, noninvasive, and surprisingly similar to what you might experience at your own ophthalmologist, just tailored to keep animals comfortable and stress-free. When you bring your senior dog or cat in for an eye concern, the vet will begin by observing your pet from a distance. This allows them to note squinting, blinking patterns, how they hold their hear, facial symmetry, the clarity of the eyes, and how your pet reacts to different kinds of light. Next, they’ll examine the eyes up close using an ophthalmoscope, a handheld tool that lets them look carefully at structures like the cornea, iris, lens, and retina. This helps the vet detect issues such as cataracts, inflammation, cloudiness, or retinal changes that might not be visible to the naked eye.

Most pets also receive a few standard diagnostic tests. These will be selected depending on your vet's initial assessment of your pets signs. One common test is the Schirmer tear test, which we described in KCS section. This test measures tear production with a soft paper strip. It isn’t painful, and it’s essential for diagnosing dry eye. Another test is fluorescein staining, where a harmless yellow/flourescent dye highlights scratches or ulcers on the cornea. This test is especially important if a pet has been rubbing their face or squinting. There are other dyes that can be used as well. Depending on findings your vet may choose other forms of staining your pet's eye. Your vet may also measure intraocular pressure using a tonometer. It is a small, touch based device that is placed gently on your pet's eye and checks for glaucoma or other conditions that increase intraocular pressure. If the retina or optic nerve needs a closer look, the lights will be dimmed to examine the back of the eye more thoroughly. Your vet may also need to use special numbing drops or drops that dilate the pupil for an established period of time.

Sometimes, the vet may recommend referral to a veterinary ophthalmologist, especially if surgery, advanced imaging, or specialized treatments might benefit your pet.

Understanding what happens during a veterinary eye exam not only eases anxiety for pet parents but also helps them appreciate how much information can be gathered in just a few minutes. These tests allow veterinarians to detect problems early, track changes over time, and create a treatment plan tailored to each pet.

The Importance of your Dog's Vision

Our pets rely on their eyes to explore, play, and connect with us. While vision changes are a natural part of aging, many eye conditions are manageable when caught early. By staying alert for subtle signs (ike cloudiness, squinting, or behavior changes) you can help ensure your senior dog or cat remains comfortable and confident well into their later years.

As our pets grow older, it's important to look for signs of eye problems. Regular veterinary check-ups and routine examinations are crucial to detecting and managing these conditions early to ensure normal vision and pain free life as a dog ages. Many eye diseases require emergency treatment, but others just if you notice any changes in your cat's or dog’s eyes or behavior. Some systemic disease, especially in cats, can display eye symptoms. Consult your vet immediately to ensure the best possible care for your senior companion. With the right treatment and support, many eye conditions in elderly dogs and cats can be managed, helping them live comfortably and happily in their golden years.