Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ophthalmology?

Ophthalmology [of-thal-MOL-o-je] is that branch of medicine dealing with the eye, its anatomy, physiology, pathology, etc. Veterinary ophthalmologists specialize in the medical and surgical treatment of eye disorders, vision/optics, orbital disease, and prevention of blindness/restoration of vision and care of blind animals. Animals experience most of the same or similar diseases and traumas to the eyes as do humans and require similar care.

What training does a Veterinary Ophthalmologist Receive?

  • College/University (undergraduate study) - 4 years
  • Veterinary School - 4 years
  • Internship in a Veterinary Hospital - 1 year
  • Residency in a Veterinary Ophthalmology Program - 3-4 years
  • Successful completion of Credentials and successful completion of the Certifying Examination by The American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists

What are some of the major causes of blindness in animals?

  • Glaucoma - pressure inside the eye which becomes so high that it damages the optic nerve--the most common cause of blindness in middle age dogs
  • Cataracts - opacification of the crytalline lens which may be caused by genetics, inflammation, infection, aging, or injury
  • Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (Dry Eye) - decreased volume or abnormal composition of tears
  • Eyelid disorders  - abnormal carriage or confirmation of the lids, third eyelid or conjunctiva
  • Corneal Disorders - abnormalities of the anatomy or transparency (clouding, pigmentation) of the cornea
  • Retinal detachment - when the retina is separated from its underlying blood supply
  • Trauma to the eye


David T. Ramsey, DVM, Diplomate, ACVO
Performing Surgery using the Operating Microscope

What instruments are used by the Ophthalmologist?

Veterinary Ophthalmologists use instruments which are identical to those used in Human Ophthalmology, including the following:

  • Slit-Lamp Biomicroscope which illuminates the front and interior of the eye with a beam of light
  • Tonometer, an instrument used to measure the fluid pressure in the eye
  • Binocular Indirect Ophthalmoscope used to examine the posterior vitreous and retina
  • Ophthalmic Laser, which can be used to perform precise, delicate operations on the eye
  • Cryonic Surgical Instrument - a device to control the precise flow of liquid nitrogin in the excising of tissue
  • Operating Microscope which is used for various types of surgery
  • Ocular Ultrasound for imaging and diagnosing eye problems
  • Electroretinogram for evaluating retinal function
  • Phacoemulsification Machine - ultrasonic emulsification machine for removal of cataracts

What types of problems are seen by the Ophthalmologist?

  • Dry Eye - the deficiency in the quality or quantity of tears lubricating the eye which causes constant pain from eye irritation, and a sandy or gritty sensation that, if untreated, can lead to scarring, pigmentation or ulceration of the cornea, and loss of vision
  • Cataracts - opacification of the crystalline lens resulting in vision impairment
  • Conjunctivitis (inflammation, discharge, etc.)
  • Distichiasis Trichiasis (extra or deviated eyelashes)
  • Entropion (Eyelids turned in) & Ectropion (Eyelids turned out)
  • Enucleation (eye removal)
  • Evisceration removal of the contents of a blind, painful eye and placement of an intraocular spherical prosthesis
  • Eyelid Tumors
  • Prolapse of the Gland of the 3rd eyelid (“Cherry” eye)
  • Pannus (chronic superficial keratitis)
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (hereditary retinal degeneration resulting in progressive blindness)
  • Ptosis (drooping upper lid)
  • Retinal dysplasia - folding and/or thinning of the retina
  • Scrolled 3rd eyelid Cartilage (“Popped/flipped” Cartilage)
  • Strabismus (eyes not facing same direction)
  • Anisocoria (unequal pupils)
  • Bulging Eyeball

What sorts of emergency problems do Veterinary Ophthalmologists treat?

  • Glaucoma (excessive pressure inside eye globe)
  • Hyphema (blood in the eye)
  • Luxated Lens (loosened or detached lens)
  • Corneal Laceration/ulceration
  • Orbital Abscess
  • Proptosed Globe (eye popped out)
  • Uveitis (inflammation inside the eye)
  • Exophthalmos (eye protruding from socket)
  • Blindness, acute onset
  • Keratitis (inflammation of the cornea)

This page last edited May 2, 2007 10:08 AM
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© The Animal Ophthalmology Center, 2002