Related Terms

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Background

• A cataract is murkiness or clouding in the lens of the eye. Depending on the severity of a cataract, it may cause vision impairment and potentially lead to irreversible blindness.
• According to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), cataracts are one of the most common causes of vision impairment in canines and may affect all breeds. Many cataracts are inherited, and therefore some breeds are more prone to them. Cataracts may also develop as side effects of other disease states, most commonly diabetes.
• Cataracts may occur in one or both eyes and may progress with age. Surgical removal is the most common and effective form of treatment. However, if vision is not impaired, surgery may not be required.
• Cataracts are often confused with nuclear sclerosis, a natural aging and hardening of the lens that causes the canine eye to turn a bluish color. Unlike a cataract, nuclear sclerosis does not hinder canine vision.

Types of the Disease

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Risk Factors

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Causes

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Signs and Symptoms

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Diagnosis

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Complications

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Treatment

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Integrative Therapies

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Prevention

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Author Information

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References

Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

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