Yes, dogs can develop cataracts, and they happen for many of the same reasons they do in people
Dogs get cataracts when the lens in their eye becomes cloudy, just as humans do. The cloudiness develops gradually in most cases, though some dogs are born with cataracts or develop them suddenly after an injury or illness. A cataract can affect one eye or both, and it can progress slowly over years or move quickly depending on the cause.
The difference between dogs and people is that dogs often don't show obvious signs until the cataract is fairly advanced. A dog may bump into furniture or move more cautiously in dim light before you notice anything is wrong. Some owners first realize their dog has a vision problem when the dog hesitates at stairs or seems startled more easily than usual.
Key Takeaways
- Cataracts in dogs cause the eye lens to cloud over, reducing vision gradually or suddenly depending on the underlying cause.
- Diabetes is the most common cause of cataracts in dogs, particularly in middle-aged and older dogs.
- A veterinarian can diagnose a cataract during a routine eye exam and may refer you to a veterinary ophthalmologist if surgery is an option.
- Surgery can restore vision in many dogs, but the decision to operate depends on your dog's age, overall health, and how much the cataract affects daily life.
- Some cataracts progress slowly and may not require treatment if your dog adapts well to reduced vision.
Why dogs develop cataracts
Diabetes is the leading cause of cataracts in dogs. When blood sugar stays high over time, it changes the chemistry inside the lens and causes it to cloud. Dogs with diabetes often develop cataracts in both eyes within months of diagnosis if their blood sugar isn't controlled well.
Age is another common factor. Older dogs, especially those over 7 or 8 years old, develop cataracts more frequently straightforward because the lens proteins break down over time. This type of age-related cataract usually progresses slowly.
Other causes include eye injury or trauma, inherited conditions (some breeds like Poodles and Cocker Spaniels are prone to hereditary cataracts), inflammation inside the eye, and certain medications. Puppies can be born with cataracts if their mother had an infection during pregnancy, though this is less common.
Signs your dog may have a cataract
The most visible sign is a white or grayish cloudiness in the center of the eye, visible when light hits it at certain angles. You might notice this first in photographs taken with a flash, where the affected eye looks milky instead of reflecting light normally.
Behavioral changes often come before you see the cloudiness. Your dog may move more slowly in low light, hesitate before jumping on furniture or going down stairs, or seem less confident navigating familiar spaces. Some dogs bump into door frames or furniture on the side where the cataract is forming. Others become more clingy or anxious, especially in dim rooms.
If the cataract develops suddenly or affects both eyes quickly, the change in behavior can be dramatic — your dog may seem confused or disoriented. This is more common with diabetes-related cataracts and requires a veterinary visit soon.
How a veterinarian diagnoses cataracts
Your regular veterinarian can spot a cataract during a routine eye exam using an ophthalmoscope, a handheld light that lets them look through the pupil into the lens. They will also ask about when you first noticed changes and whether your dog has had any eye injuries, illnesses, or medications that might explain it.
If your veterinarian suspects diabetes or another underlying condition, they may recommend blood work and urinalysis to check your dog's glucose levels and kidney function. This matters because treating the underlying cause — like managing diabetes with insulin — can slow or sometimes stop a cataract from getting worse.
For a more detailed assessment of whether surgery could help, your veterinarian may refer you to a veterinary ophthalmologist, a specialist who has additional training in eye diseases. The ophthalmologist uses specialized equipment to measure how much vision your dog has lost and whether the cataract is the only eye problem present.
Treatment options for dogs with cataracts
There is no medication or eye drop that dissolves a cataract once it has formed. The only way to restore vision is surgical removal of the cloudy lens, a procedure called phacoemulsification. During surgery, the veterinary ophthalmologist uses ultrasound to break up the cloudy lens and remove it, then often implants an artificial lens to help focus light on the retina.
Surgery is most successful in dogs under 10 years old with otherwise healthy eyes and good overall health. Success rates are high — roughly 80 to 90 percent of dogs regain useful vision after surgery — but the procedure requires a referral to a specialist and carries the usual surgical risks, including infection and inflammation.
If surgery is not an option or you choose not to pursue it, your dog can often adapt well to reduced vision, especially if the cataract develops slowly. Many dogs navigate their home and yard safely even with significant vision loss, relying on smell, hearing, and memory of their environment. You can help by keeping furniture in the same place, using consistent verbal cues, and being cautious during walks in unfamiliar areas.
Cost and recovery after cataract surgery
Cataract surgery performed by a veterinary ophthalmologist typically costs between $2,500 and $4,000 per eye, though this varies by region and the complexity of your dog's case. Some veterinary insurance plans cover a portion of the cost if the cataract is not considered a pre-existing condition.
Recovery takes several weeks. Your dog will need to wear a protective cone (Elizabethan collar) to prevent rubbing the eye, use prescribed antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops multiple times daily, and avoid swimming or rough play during healing. Most dogs show improvement in vision within days to weeks, though full healing can take 4 to 6 weeks.
Your veterinary ophthalmologist will schedule follow-up exams to monitor healing and watch for complications like increased pressure inside the eye or inflammation. These visits are important because early detection of problems allows for prompt treatment.
Preventing cataracts in dogs
You cannot prevent all cataracts, but you can reduce the risk of some types. If your dog is diabetic, working with your veterinarian to keep blood sugar stable with insulin and diet is the most important step — good diabetes control can slow cataract development significantly.
Protect your dog's eyes from injury by supervising outdoor play, avoiding rough games that could cause eye trauma, and keeping irritants like shampoo and debris out of the eyes during grooming. If your dog has a breed predisposition to hereditary cataracts, discuss screening options with your veterinarian before breeding.
Regular veterinary checkups allow your veterinarian to catch cataracts early and monitor their progression. If you notice any cloudiness in your dog's eye or changes in how your dog moves in low light, schedule an exam rather than waiting for the next routine visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a cataract in a dog's eye go away on its own?
No. Once a cataract forms, it does not clear up without surgery. However, some cataracts progress very slowly, and your dog may adapt well to gradual vision loss. If the cataract is in only one eye, your dog often functions normally using the other eye.
Is cataract surgery worth it for an older dog?
That depends on your dog's overall health, how much vision loss is affecting daily life, and your dog's personality. Dogs in their early teens can recover well from surgery if they have no serious heart, kidney, or liver disease. Discuss your dog's specific situation with your veterinarian and the ophthalmologist before deciding.
What happens if I don't treat my dog's cataract?
If left untreated, a cataract will eventually cause blindness in that eye. Many dogs adapt well to vision loss, especially if it happens gradually. However, if both eyes develop cataracts, your dog will be blind and will need extra care and supervision to move safely.
Can cataracts come back after surgery?
The original cataract does not return because the cloudy lens has been removed. However, a condition called posterior capsular opacification can develop in the membrane left behind, causing some cloudiness. This occurs in a small percentage of dogs and can sometimes be treated with a laser procedure.
Do all dog breeds get cataracts equally?
No. Some breeds, including Poodles, Cocker Spaniels, Siberian Huskies, and Boston Terriers, have a genetic predisposition to cataracts and may develop them earlier or more frequently than other breeds. If you have one of these breeds, discuss cataract screening with your veterinarian.