What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a disease in which the pressure within the eyeball increases to dangerous levels. It is one of the most common causes of blindness in dogs and cats.
Normal pressure must be maintained within the eye and depends on a delicate balance between production and release of internal eye fluid. If the fluid is blocked from escaping, the internal eye pressure increases and can eventually destroy the retina and injure other vital parts of the eye. If glaucoma persists long enough, the eyeball may become enlarged.
Glaucoma can be caused by a birth defect (possibly inherited) by inflammatory conditions, injuries, tumors and other eye problems.
The goal of treatment is to reduce the pressure and relieve the pain. Oral and topical medications are usually the first form of treatment.
Medication alone will not usually control glaucoma over a long period of time and surgery becomes necessary. This treatment is complex and requires hospitalization.
If the glaucoma is the result of an inherited problem, you will need to watch your pet because it is very likely that the other eye will also become a problem.
Your pet will need to have the pressure within his or her eye monitored from time to time. Your veterinarian wills set-up a schedule with you for this, which will depend on your pet's needs and response to treatments.
Watch your pet and notify Dr. Wood if your pet shows signs of continued discomfort, you cannot apply the medication as directed or there is a sudden change in the appearance of the eve.