Our doctors use tonometry to test for glaucoma in pets. Glaucoma
is an increased pressure in the eye which results when the
aqueous humor, a fluid produced by the eye, is not able to drain
appropriately. The increased pressure can cause damage to other
structures in the eye, including the optic nerve which may lead
to temporary or permanent blindness. By using a tonometer, the
doctor can measure the pressure exerted against the outer layers
of the eye. This measurement is called the intraocular pressure
(IOP). An elevated IOP is indicative of glaucoma, while a
decreased IOP could signal conditions such as anterior uveitis
(inflammation of the front part of the eye) or dehydration.
The causes for glaucoma are divided into two different
categories, primary and secondary. Primary glaucoma means there
is a problem in the area where the fluid drains. This problem
could be structural or it may involve the function of drainage.
This type of glaucoma is usually inherited and can occur
spontaneously. Secondary glaucoma results as a side effect of
another eye disorder such as severe inflammation, lens luxation,
tumors, or trauma.
The following are some signs of glaucoma owners should watch
for:
-
Red Eye
-
Very squinty and painful eye
-
Excessive tearing of the eye
-
Enlarged size of the eye
-
Dilated pupil that doesn't
react to light
-
Cloudy (whitish/blue) cornea
(front surface of the eye)
-
Vision loss, blindness
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