Ophthalmological Diseases Summary
Ophthalmological Diseases
Key Disease Categories
Diseases of Accessory Structures:
Conjunctivitis
Epiphora
Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (KCS)
Cherry Eye
Diseases Within the Globe:
Corneal Ulcers
Cataracts
Glaucoma
Uveitis
Trauma
Diseases Involving Retina:
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
Conjunctivitis
Clinical Signs: Redness, Chemosis, Ocular Discharge (Purulent, Serous)
Causes: Bacteria, Immune disease, Viruses
Diagnosis: R/O ulceration, complete PE, consider Schirmer tear test
Treatment:
Bacterial: Triple antibiotics, Tobramycin
Viral: Idoxuridine
Topical antibiotic ointments or drops required frequently
Epiphora
Definition: Overflow of tears
Eyelid Diseases
Hordeolum: Abscess of sebaceous glands
Chalazion: Abscess of meibomian glands
Blepharitis: Inflammation of the eyelid
Treatment: Flush ducts, topical antibiotics, surgery if necessary
Entropion and Ectropion
Entropion: Eyelids roll in, causing discomfort
Ectropion: Eyelids roll out, usually asymptomatic
Cherry Eye
Hypertrophy of third eyelid gland
Clinical signs: Swelling, epiphora
Treatment: Ointments initially, surgery recommended
Glaucoma
Definition: Increase in Intraocular Pressure (IOP)
Clinical Signs: Red eye, pain, hazy cornea
Diagnosis: Schiotz tonometer, IOP > 30 indicative
Corneal Ulcers
Types: Superficial vs. Deep
Causes: Trauma, chemicals, foreign bodies, KCS
Clinical Signs: Pain, redness, epiphora, blepharospasm
Treatment: Antibiotic ointment or drops, avoid steroids
Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (Dry Eye)
Tear film layers: Lipid, Aqueous, Mucous
Clinical signs: Red eye, thick discharge, recurrent issues
Diagnosis: Schirmer Tear Test < 15 mm/min
Treatment: Cyclosporin 2%, Tacrolimus, Artificial tears
Pannus
Superficial corneal vascularization, often in German shepherds
Requires corneal scraping and cytology for diagnosis
Treatment: Anti-inflammatory medication, Cyclosporine
Cataracts
Opacity of lens affecting vision
Different from lenticular sclerosis; must differentiate
Uveitis
Affects iris, ciliary body, choroid
Causes: Trauma, infections, foreign bodies
Clinical Signs: Blepharospasm, photophobia, corneal changes
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
Hereditary condition leading to night blindness
Diagnosis via complete retinal examination
Prolapsed Eye
Common in Pekingese, Shih Tzus, Pugs
Treatment may involve replacement or enucleation if beyond repair