Glaucoma affects animals in the same way that it affects humans. It is an elevation of the fluid pressure within the eye, which is caused when the eye's internal drainage channels become blocked. A sudden rise in pressure can damage the retina (which acts like the film in a camera) and the optic nerve (which sends information from the eye to the brain). And unfortunately, the damage is permanent and irreversible, resulting in partial or total vision loss.

The causes of glaucoma are both primary and secondary. Primary glaucoma is spontaneous and probably inherited, and is the most common cause of glaucoma in dogs.  The breeds most often affected include the Cocker Spaniel, Samoyed, Chow Chow and Basset Hound. Secondary glaucoma is the most common cause of glaucoma in cats, and may develop quickly or slowly. It occurs as a result of other diseases within the eye, such as inflammation, eye tumor, trauma or a displaced lens that blocks drainage.

Symptoms of Glaucoma

• Red, teary and cloudy eyes
• Pain, which may be exhibited by:
  • Squinting
  • Holding the eye closed or keeping the third eyelid up over the eye
  • Crying out, if eye is bumped
  • Personality changes, such as depression, lethargy and sleepiness

Suggested Products for Glaucoma:
Ocu-Clear
Small Animal Antioxidant

Related Topics:
Cataracts
Conjunctivitis
Feline Herpes Keratitis Eye Infections
Tear Stains

Diagnosis

Although many veterinarians have the equipment needed to check for glaucoma, an animal ophthalmologist will be able to give you a more accurate diagnosis. This will entail measuring the pressure inside the eye, examining the shape and color of the optic nerve and examining the drainage channels. If the ophthalmologist finds that the pressure is elevated, or if the optic nerve looks unusual, s(he) will examine the drainage channels to determine what type of glaucoma your pet has.

Conventional Treatments

The treatment your doctor recommends will depend on the type of glaucoma your pet has. It may include:

• eye drops or pills to reduce the fluid pressure
• surgery treatments—ranging from laser treatment to removal of a blinded eye—or a combination of treatments

Interestingly, the same medication is give to humans and pets for glaucoma.

The important thing to remember is that immediate medical attention is needed in order to preserve your pet's eyesight, if you suspect that it has glaucoma. At the same time, though, you can support your pet's vision by giving it nutritional support.

Natural Treatments

There are several vitamins, botanicals and other nutrients that helped to nourish the eyes:

Vitamins A, C and E have antioxidant properties which fight free radicals that can damage the lens of the eye.

Bilberry extract (Vacciuium myritllus) derived from a fruit similar to the blueberry, contains active ingredients for eye health and proper vision. The berries are rich in the antioxidant anthocyanosides -- the red pigments that are beneficial in ophthalmology and vascular diseases. Nicknamed "the vision herb" bilberry has a substantial body of research that confirms its benefits for human eyes. This herb is very helpful to animals with early stage eye disorders, or for animals that have a genetic predisposition to eye problems.

Zinc is a mineral linked to good vision and may protect eye tissue from damaging light and inflammation. Zinc is found in healthy retinal tissue.

Lutein, a carotenoid found in dark, leafy greens, is also found in the retina of healthy eyes where it acts as a shield against harmful light and may help protect the eyes against damage from ultraviolet radiation.

Quercetin is a natural antioxidant bioflavonoid that protects cells from damage by free radicals.

Alpha Lipoic Acid is the "universal antioxidant" because it works in both water and fatty tissues, providing antioxidant protection to all your pet's cells. It restores numerous biological functions that become diminished with aging and helps to prevent cataracts.

Mixed Carotenoids contain antioxidants found in carotenoid-rich food, that is, produce that are rich in color. Two specific carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin, provide antioxidant protection in the macular region of the ey and have been found to reduce the incidence of caratacts.

Grape Seed Extract has a high content of compounds called oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs), which are potent antixodiants. They provide a wide range of antioxidant benefits: supporting healthy skin, providing cardiovascular support, improving blood circulation and reducing the risk cataracts.

It is often difficult to make sure that your pet is getting enough vitamins and minerals in their diet. If you are looking for a supplement that provides nutrients specifically for the eye, consider the following product:

Ocu-Clear has a comprehensive blend of carotenes, botanicals, vitamins, minerals, amino acids and other nutrients for optimal vision support. Bilberry, known as the "vision herb" and lutein a carotenoid, provide antioxidant protection to the eye.

To purchase or read more about Ocu-Clear...

Small Animal Antioxidant

This formula contains many powerful antioxidants to help support cellular health throughout the body. For the eyes, it includes vitamin A and mixed carotenoids, two nutrients which provide antioxidant protection in the macular region of the eye. It also includes grape seed extract, which reduces the risk of cataracts and alpha lipoic acid, which helps to prevent cataracts.

To purchase or read more about Small Animal Antioxidant...

To learn more about specific eye disorders, click on these links: Cataracts, Conjunctivitis and Feline Herpes Keratitis.

If your pet has an eye condition you'l like to learn more about, send us an email and will try to include it in future updates to this website. See our Contact Us page.