Yes, dogs can develop cataracts, and they are common in older dogs

Dogs develop cataracts the same way humans do — the lens in the eye becomes cloudy over time, blocking light from reaching the retina. You may notice a white or grayish film over your dog's eye, or see that your dog bumps into furniture or hesitates on stairs. Some dogs are born with cataracts, but most develop them as they age, especially after age 6. Cataracts in dogs can progress slowly or quickly depending on the cause.

If you have a cataract diagnosis yourself, you may recognize the early signs in your dog: squinting in bright light, moving more cautiously in dim rooms, or seeming less interested in fetch or other activities that require clear vision. Unlike humans, dogs cannot tell you their vision is blurry, so watching their behavior is how you catch the problem early.

Key Takeaways

  • Cataracts in dogs appear as a white or cloudy film over the eye and are most common in dogs over age 6.
  • Diabetes is the most common cause of cataracts in dogs, so a vet will check blood sugar levels during diagnosis.
  • A veterinary ophthalmologist (not a general vet) performs cataract surgery on dogs, and the procedure is similar to human cataract surgery.
  • Early detection matters because cataracts can lead to blindness and secondary glaucoma if left untreated.
  • Your dog's age, overall health, and the stage of the cataract determine whether surgery is recommended.

Why dogs develop cataracts as they age

The most common cause of cataracts in older dogs is straightforward aging — the lens proteins break down and clump together over decades, just as they do in humans. But diabetes is the single biggest preventable cause. Dogs with diabetes develop cataracts much faster than other dogs, sometimes within weeks of the diabetes starting. If your dog is overweight or has a family history of diabetes, ask your vet about screening blood sugar levels during regular checkups.

Other causes include eye injury, inflammation inside the eye, or certain medications like steroids used long-term for allergies or autoimmune conditions. Some breeds are genetically prone to early cataracts — Poodles, Cocker Spaniels, and Terriers develop them younger than average. If you adopted a senior dog, ask the shelter or rescue what you know about the dog's medical history and breed background.

Signs your dog may have cataracts

The most obvious sign is a cloudy or white appearance in the center of the eye, visible even without magnification. You may see it first in one eye and then the other weeks or months later. But behavior changes often come first: your dog may move more slowly in low light, hesitate before jumping on furniture, or bump into door frames and chair legs they used to navigate easily.

Some dogs squint more in bright sunlight or seem anxious in unfamiliar spaces where they cannot see clearly. Older dogs with cataracts sometimes stay closer to their owner or avoid stairs. If your dog has been losing interest in walks or play, cataracts could be part of the reason — vision loss makes movement feel risky. Any change in how your dog moves or behaves around the house is worth mentioning to your vet, even if you are not sure it is vision-related.

How a vet diagnoses cataracts in dogs

Your regular veterinarian can see cataracts during an eye exam and will likely refer you to a veterinary ophthalmologist — a vet who specializes in eye disease — for a full evaluation. The ophthalmologist uses a slit lamp (a microscope with a bright light) to examine the lens and measure how much of it is cloudy. They will also check the pressure inside the eye to rule out glaucoma, which often develops alongside cataracts.

Because diabetes causes cataracts so frequently, your vet will order blood work to check your dog's blood sugar and kidney function. This matters because dogs with diabetes or kidney disease may not be good candidates for surgery, or surgery may need to wait until the underlying condition is controlled. The ophthalmologist will also dilate your dog's pupils to examine the retina and confirm the eye can still see light — if the retina is already damaged, surgery may not restore vision.

Treatment options: surgery versus monitoring

Surgery is the only way to remove a cataract from a dog's eye. A veterinary ophthalmologist removes the cloudy lens and often implants an artificial lens so your dog can see clearly again. The procedure takes about 15 minutes per eye and is done under general anesthesia. Recovery takes two to four weeks, during which you will need to give your dog eye drops several times a day and keep them from rubbing or bumping the eye.

Not every dog with cataracts needs surgery right away. If the cataract is small and your dog is still seeing well, your vet may recommend monitoring it with regular eye exams every 6 to 12 months. But if the cataract is dense enough to significantly affect vision, or if it is causing inflammation or secondary glaucoma, surgery is usually recommended sooner rather than later. A very old dog or one with serious heart or kidney disease may not be a good surgical candidate, and your vet will discuss the risks and benefits based on your dog's individual health.

What to expect if your dog has cataract surgery

Before surgery, your dog will have blood work and possibly an ultrasound of the eye to make sure the retina is healthy. The ophthalmologist will measure the eye to determine the correct power of the artificial lens implant. On surgery day, your dog will be given anesthesia, and the procedure itself takes about 15 minutes per eye.

After surgery, your dog will wear a cone (Elizabethan collar) to prevent rubbing, and you will give antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops four times a day for the first week, then taper down over several weeks. Most dogs see improvement within days, though vision continues to improve for several weeks as swelling goes down. Activity must be restricted — no jumping, running, or swimming — for at least two weeks. Your dog will need follow-up exams at one week, two weeks, and one month after surgery. The cost varies widely by region and surgeon, but cataract surgery on one eye typically ranges from $1,500 to $3,500.

Managing cataracts if surgery is not an option

If your dog cannot have surgery due to age, health conditions, or other reasons, you can still help them live safely and comfortably. Keep your home well-lit and remove tripping hazards like throw rugs or toys left on the floor. Use baby gates to block stairs if your dog is unsteady. Keep food, water, and the litter box in the same spots so your dog can find them by memory. A harness and short leash on walks help you guide your dog and prevent them from stepping into traffic or off curbs.

Some dogs adjust remarkably well to gradual vision loss, especially if they are in a familiar home. Your vet may recommend antioxidant eye drops or supplements, though evidence for their benefit is limited. The most important thing is watching for signs of pain or secondary glaucoma — if your dog's eye becomes red, swollen, or your dog seems to be in pain, contact your vet when ready, as these can develop suddenly and need urgent treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can cataracts in dogs be prevented?

You cannot prevent age-related cataracts, but you can reduce the risk by managing your dog's weight and keeping blood sugar controlled if your dog has diabetes. Protecting your dog's eyes from injury — avoiding rough play that could scratch the cornea — also helps. Regular vet checkups catch early cataracts before they affect vision significantly.

Will my dog go blind if I do not treat cataracts?

Untreated cataracts can lead to blindness, especially if they are dense or if secondary glaucoma develops. However, many dogs adjust well to blindness if it happens gradually, and they can still live a good quality of life with a familiar home and attentive owner. The risk of secondary glaucoma — which is painful — is the main reason vets recommend surgery sooner rather than later.

Is cataract surgery safe for older dogs?

Cataract surgery is generally safe for older dogs if they are otherwise healthy enough for anesthesia. Your vet will do blood work and discuss the anesthesia risks based on your dog's age and health conditions. Many dogs in their early teens have successful cataract surgery with good outcomes, but very old or very ill dogs may not be good candidates.

Can cataracts come back after surgery?

The cataract itself does not return because the cloudy lens has been removed. However, the back of the lens capsule (the membrane that holds the artificial lens) can become cloudy in some dogs months or years after surgery — a condition called posterior capsular opacification. This can be treated with a laser procedure if it affects vision.

What is the difference between cataracts and nuclear sclerosis in dogs?

Nuclear sclerosis is a normal, age-related hardening of the lens that appears as a slight cloudiness but does not significantly block light or affect vision. Cataracts are denser and do block light, causing vision loss. Your vet can tell the difference during an eye exam, but nuclear sclerosis alone does not require treatment.