For the responsible pet owner, it’s important to keep their eyes clean, healthy and free from dirt. It’s also vital to look out for the signs of eye health issues and schedule regular vet visits. The earlier an eye disorder is identified, diagnosed, and treated, the better the outcome can be for our furry friends. Here are some common eye problems dogs may face and how pet eye drops can help with treatment.



1. Dry Eyes

Dry eyes in dogs can be caused by several factors, although it is most commonly due to an immune system disorder. Dry eyes occur when the tear glands that are responsible for lubricating and moisturising your dog's eyes become inflamed. This results in an inability to produce the normal amount of tears to keep their eyes healthy.

Red eyes, sticky yellow or green discharge, pawing at the eye area, frequent blinking, and recurrent eye infections are just some of the symptoms of dry eyes in dogs. Dry eyes are painful and uncomfortable and the condition can worsen if left untreated.

Treatment for dry eyes should be done after a diagnosis with a trained vet. Dry eyes may not always be curable, and your pet may require some level of medication long-term. Tear stimulating medication is the first and most effective form of treatment and should be prescribed by your vet.

In combination with medicated eye drops, collagen eye drops can also help with managing the condition. Pet Health Global’s JPN ColloRX Collagen Eye Drops has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties while also providing hydration to your dog’s eyes for relief of painful symptoms. Collagen has also been noted for being able to speed up wound healing and minimise scarring.

2. Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a painful eye condition in dogs that’s caused by increased pressure within the eye due to inadequate fluid drainage. It is a disease that progresses very quickly and can lead to optic nerve, retinal damage, and eventually blindness. 

Certain breeds of dogs are much more susceptible to developing glaucoma and it rarely affects both eyes equally or at the same time. Glaucoma can also be caused by an injury to the eye or as a result of other diseases.

Glaucoma is characterised by signs of eye pain, watery discharge, bulging of the eyeballs, dilated pupils, and swelling. Diagnosis is confirmed by measuring the pressure within your dog’s eyes.

Treatment for glaucoma should be given as early as possible to preserve sight. Drugs that reduce pressure in the eye are the first line of treatment, and can be administered as pet eye drops, oral medication, or injected. Surgery will likely be required for most cases of advanced glaucoma in dogs.

Learn More: A Guide To Administering Eye Drops For Your Pet Dog Or Cat



3. Cataracts

Cataracts occur in both young and old dogs. Some dogs are genetically predisposed to developing cataracts, while others may get it as they age. Underlying issues like canine diabetes, nutritional imbalances, and inflammatory disease can all contribute to the development of cataracts.

At the initial stage, cataracts may show up as cloudy changes in your dog's eyes. As they advance, they can become increasingly opaque and eventually impede vision entirely. The most commonly used treatment for cataracts is surgery.

Known as phacoemulsification, cataract surgery involves removing the occluded lens via ultrasound vibrations and inserting an artificial lens to restore clear vision. It has a high success rate and can dramatically improve quality of life for your dog.

An alternative to cataract surgery can be found in a newly developed product known as  lanosterol eye drops for cataracts. Lanosterol is the only known compound with the potential to reverse cataracts, and has shown statistically significant results in scientific studies involving canines.

Pet Health Global’s JPN ColloRX Lanosterol Eye Drops contain lanosterol in combination with collagen to stabilise the product and provide lubrication. It also helps in ensuring that the cornea is coated evenly with the therapeutic eye drop and increases the contact time of lanosterol with the cornea. 

There are still several other less common eye problems which may develop in dogs. Eye issues have a tendency to occur suddenly and worsen very quickly, so prompt medical intervention should always be the goal of every pet owner. Keep an eye out for symptoms of eye problems and schedule regular vet visits to ensure your dog’s eyes are bright, healthy, and functioning as they should.

As a leading pet supplies distributor, Pet Health Global provides holistic solutions for the management of your pet’s health and wellness. Visit our website to view our product catalogue and contact us today if you have any questions.