Distichiasis is a condition in which extra eyelashes grow on the eyelid line in areas where they should not grow. It is genetically inherited and is common in several breeds. This condition can cause discomfort, however several pets do not show clinical signs and some require no treatment.

Trichiasis occurs when hairs grow inward toward the eye. This condition occurs in breeds with long facial hair. Common conditions of trichiasis are watery eyes and excess tear staining down the face.

Ectopic cilia occurs when an eyelash grows from the underside of the eyelid. A short, scratchy eyelash rubs against the eye, causing discomfort and possible ulcerations to the eye.

Blastomycosis is a fungal infection caused by Blastomyces dermatitidis. This fungus is most commonly found in sandy, acidic soil near bodies of fresh water.
Exposure usually occurs within areas close to inland waterways, as well as recently disturbed soil. When the soil has been disturbed, the fungus can become airborne, resulting in inhalation. Inhalation is the primary route of infection.
Once the fungus in inhaled, the spores of the fungus can spread to other parts of the body, including the eyes.

A cataract is an abnormality of the eye lens, which causes blurry vision in your pet. A cloudy haze over the lens prevents light from reaching the retina, which can cause blindness. Cataracts can be hereditary, or can result from injury, inflammation or internal disease within the eye. There is no known medical treatment for cataracts, and surgical removal of the cataract is the only available and effective treatment for this condition.

Glaucoma is a neurodegenerative condition of the optic nerve, which leads to blindness. In animals, glaucoma is always associated with elevated intraocular pressure. Primary glaucoma is usually caused by an inherited abnormality of the drainage angle, and is breed-related. Secondary glaucoma may occur secondary to inherited lens luxation (dislocation), inflammation, trauma, and intraocular tumors. All of these factors can obstruct the drainage of fluid from the eye. Acute glaucoma is an ophthalmic emergency and must be treated immediately. If the pressure remains elevated for even a few hours, permanent vision loss occurs. An accurate diagnosis of glaucoma is based on a thorough ocular examination and measurement of the intraocular pressure with a tonometer.

Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) is a condition where the eye does not produce enough tears. The tear film is critical to preservation of a normal eye and vision. Tears transport nutrients to the cornea and protect the eye from infection. In the absence of tears the eye will appear red, irritated and will have a white or greenish discharge. In early cases of KCS, the eye may be painful and may develop a corneal ulcer. The absence of tears, blood vessels in the eye and pigment (melanin) will begin to invade the cornea as a protective response, and to provide nutrients. This leads to scarring in the cornea, causing vision loss.

Hyphema is a collection of blood in the front chamber of the eye. This can be a sign of serious complications. The exact reason for hyphema can be difficult to diagnose, since the blood can cover up the exact location of the injury or disease. When diagnosing the cause of bleeding, it is important, to determine whether the bleeding is in the affected eye only, or if an additional problem is affecting the body, such as a blood clotting abnormality.

Ocular foreign body injuries can occur when there is accidental contact with a foreign body puncturing the eye. Foreign bodies include, but are not limited to: cactus spines, bristles, thorns, small stones, popcorn kernels, and splintered wood. Foreign bodies can become embedded in the cornea and could extend into the deeper tissue of the eye, including the iris and lens.

Blepharitis refers to inflammation of the eyelids or the glands of the eyelid (meibomian glands.) The most common cause of Blepharitis is due to allergies. Other causes may be congenital abnormalities, infection, tumors, or other inflammatory disorders.

This condition can occur when the oil glands near the eyelash base become inflamed and irritated. Blepharitis can be caused by several factors, therefore the treatment and prognosis can vary depending upon the underlying cause of the condition.

Conjunctivitis is a condition in which the conjunctiva (pink tissue that lines the inner surface of the eyelids) becomes reddened, swollen and painful. It is generally caused by foreign matter, bacteria, chemicals or environmental irritants (such as smoke.) Conjunctivitis may be a symptom of an eye infection, blockage or dry eye. Furthermore, it may lead to problems with the cornea, such as ulcers, scarring, vascularization, mineralization, sequestrum or adhesions.

Corneal Ulcers can occur when the outer epithelial layer of the cornea becomes damaged. The cornea is comprised of several layers of collagen, fibers and nerve fibers, which protect the cornea. When those layers become damaged, complications can occur which may be treated with corneal debridement or keratotomy surgery.

Episcleritis is an inflammation of the episclera, which is the thin outer layer of tissue that covers the sclera (fibrous covering of the eyeball.) This condition usually looks like a pink lump or nodule on the white part of the eye. Episcleritis is believed to be an auto-immune type reaction.

Eyelid masses are growths that appear on the eyelid and can be benign or malignant. Depending on the size, location and appearance, a biopsy may be necessary to determine the type of mass involved. All masses, even benign ones, can cause irritation to the cornea.

Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration Syndrome (SARDS) is a frustrating disease for both owners and ophthalmologists. As the name implies, vision loss occurs rapidly. Beyond this clinical sign, veterinary ophthalmologists know little about this disease or its causes. Even though there is no cure for SARDS, a full evaluation is important, because there are treatable causes of vision loss than should be differentiated from non-treatable causes.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is a degenerative disease of the retina. Comparing the eye to a camera and the retina as the equivalent of the camera’s film, PRA occurs when the “film” or retina is no longer functioning properly. Similar to a camera with damaged film, an eye with PRA cannot produce a useable image. PRA is an inherited disease and is most commonly seen in purebred dogs. Animals with PRA should not be bred, as the condition may be passed to offspring.