Common Presentations
Cataract Surgery (Phacoemulsification)
The aim of cataract surgery is to restore vision and improve quality of life by removing the cloudy lens inside the eye. In many patients, surgery is also performed to help prevent complications associated with cataracts, such as lens-induced uveitis (inflammation secondary to cataract formation), which is particularly common in rapidly progressive cataracts, including diabetic cataracts. In these cases, surgery aims not only to restore vision, but also to reduce pain and inflammation and, in some situations, preserve the eye itself. In most cases, an artificial lens is implanted to help focus vision after surgery.
Cataract surgery is a highly specialised procedure, and not every patient is a suitable candidate. Pre-operative testing is required, including procedures such as ocular ultrasound and electroretinography (ERG), to assess retinal function and the likelihood of restoring useful vision.
These patients always require very close monitoring following surgery, and regular recheck examinations are extremely important. Several eye drops are required during recovery – often for weeks to months — and lifelong monitoring may sometimes be recommended. Mild redness and discharge are common initially.
Although many patients regain excellent vision, complications such as inflammation, glaucoma, retinal detachment, or scarring can occasionally occur both in the short and long term following surgery. It is very important to provide patients with a calm recovery environment, use a harness instead of a collar, ensure protective collar wear, and follow all medication instructions carefully. Close cooperation between the veterinary team and the owner plays a vital role in achieving the best possible outcome.
Lens Luxation Surgery
Lens luxation occurs when the lens inside the eye moves out of its normal position. This can rapidly lead to pain, glaucoma, and permanent vision loss, so early treatment is extremely important. Anterior lens luxation is considered an ophthalmic emergency in veterinary ophthalmology.
Treatment may involve surgical removal of the displaced lens to relieve discomfort and preserve vision where possible. In some cases, long-term medical management may also be required.
Following surgery, eye drops and regular rechecks are essential. Mild redness and swelling are common initially. Even if vision cannot be restored, treatment is often highly successful at improving comfort and quality of life. This is a highly specialised procedure requiring careful post-operative management and close long-term monitoring.
Removal of Corneal Sequestrum
This procedure removes necrotic or damaged tissue from the surface of the cornea to relieve pain and encourage healing.
Depending on the depth and severity of the lesion, additional grafting procedures may be recommended to strengthen the cornea and reduce the risk of rupture.
Some discomfort and discharge are expected during recovery. Healing may take several weeks, and regular follow-up visits are important. Mild scarring or cloudiness can remain after healing, although comfort usually improves significantly after surgery.
Although surgery is generally considered the treatment of choice for this condition, conservative medical management may be offered in selected cases. This approach is discussed individually and requires close monitoring and regular reassessment.
Corneal Diamond Burr Debridement (Diamond Burr Keratectomy)
This treatment removes unhealthy surface cells and anterior stroma from the surface of the cornea and encourages healing.
It is most commonly used for superficial non-healing corneal ulcers (SCCEDs / indolent ulcers).
Mild discomfort and tearing are expected for several days after the procedure. Healing usually occurs within 1-3 weeks, although some patients may require repeat treatment or additional procedures if healing is delayed. In some cases, therapeutic contact lenses may also be used to improve comfort and support healing during recovery.
This treatment can be performed conscious in amenable patients, using local anaesthetic drops applied to numb the eye.
Superficial Keratectomy
This surgery removes abnormal or diseased tissue from the outer layers of the cornea.
It may be recommended for ulceration, pigmentation, inflammatory disease, or certain corneal growths. The aim is to improve comfort, reduce irritation, and preserve vision where possible.
Recovery typically involves eye drops, pain relief, and wearing a protective collar. The eye may appear red, cloudy, or vascular during healing, which is expected to improve over time.
Corneal Graft Surgery (CCT / Biosis / ACell / Amniotic Membrane Grafts and others)
This procedure is used to treat deep corneal ulcers or weakened areas of the cornea that are at risk of rupture. A protective graft is placed over the damaged area to provide structural support, encourage healing, and help preserve the eye and vision. Different graft materials may be used depending on the individual case and severity of disease. Corneal grafts can initially appear red, cloudy, pink, raised, or scarred during healing, which is expected. Recovery requires close monitoring, regular medications, and wearing a protective collar. Although some scarring may remain long-term, these procedures are often essential for saving the eye and significantly improving comfort.
Conjunctival Graft
This surgery uses conjunctiva which covers the white of the eye to protect a deep or complicated corneal ulcer and is often performed alongside the use of biomaterials.
The graft provides blood supply and structural support to help the cornea heal safely while reducing the risk of rupture.
Redness, cloudiness, and changes in the appearance of the eye are expected during healing. Although some opacity may remain long-term, the procedure is often very effective at improving comfort and preserving the eye.
UVC Light Therapy
UVC light therapy may be used alongside conventional treatment to help reduce bacterial contamination in corneal infections, particularly infected corneal ulcers.
The treatment is quick, minimally invasive, and usually does not require sedation. It is typically performed in combination with medical therapy.
Corneal Cross-Linking Procedure
Corneal cross-linking is a minimally invasive treatment most commonly used to help stabilise complex ‘melting’ or infected corneal ulcers.
The procedure combines riboflavin eye drops with ultraviolet light to strengthen corneal tissue and improve resistance to further damage.
Cross-linking may help reduce progression of corneal melting and, in some cases, reduce the need for more invasive surgery. Due to the longer treatment time, some patients may require sedation even though the procedure itself is not considered painful.
Foreign Body Removal
Foreign body removal involves removing material trapped in or around the eye that may be causing pain, irritation, or damage.
Foreign material can become lodged under the third eyelid, embedded within the cornea, or in some cases penetrate deeper into the eye. As a result, both the clinical presentation and the degree of ocular damage can vary considerably. Treatment depends on the location and severity of the injury and may range from simple removal under topical anaesthesia to more advanced surgical repair.
After removal, eye drops, pain relief, and close monitoring are often required to ensure proper healing and prevent infection. Prognosis is generally very good when treated promptly, although deeper or penetrating injuries may require more intensive treatment and follow-up care.
It is particularly important not to underestimate penetrating foreign bodies, as these injuries may damage internal eye structures. Of particular concern is damage to the lens as this can result in complications such as cataract formation and severe intraocular inflammation.
Cherry Eye Surgery (Third Eyelid Gland Prolapse)
This procedure surgically replaces the prolapsed tear gland into its normal position and secures it there to preserve natural tear production.
Removal of the gland is avoided whenever possible, as it plays an important role in keeping the eye healthy and moist. Likewise, leaving the gland prolapsed long-term may lead to chronic irritation, inflammation, reduced gland function, or secondary damage to the ocular surface.
Redness, swelling, and discharge are common during healing. Your pet will usually require eye drops and must wear a protective collar for several weeks. The success rate is generally high, although in some cases the gland may re-prolapse and require further surgical replacement. Whilst manual replacement of a prolapsed gland can be performed, it is almost always a very short term solution and the gland will inevitably re-prolapse and require surgical fixation.
Entropion Surgery / Ectropion Repair
Ectropion repair corrects outward rolling of the eyelids, which is often accompanied by over long eyelids, which require an additional surgical shortening procedure. This additional length and outward rolling can results in irritation, discharge, excessive tearing and damage to the surface of the eye.
Ectropion repair corrects outward rolling of the eyelids, which may result in irritation, discharge, debris accumulation, recurrent conjunctivitis, and poor protection of the eye surface.
These procedures reposition the eyelids to improve comfort, reduce ongoing irritation, and better protect the cornea. Fine stitches are placed around the eyelid and are usually removed or dissolve during healing.
Mild swelling and bruising are expected for several days after surgery. Most pets recover quickly and show noticeable improvement in comfort soon after the procedure.
Occasionally, further adjustment may be required.
As with all eyelid procedures, it is important to recognise that eyelid shape and facial conformation can change over time as animals grow, mature, or age. In younger patients — particularly certain breeds — temporary procedures such as eyelid tacking or hyaluronic acid injections may sometimes be recommended before definitive corrective surgery is performed. In older patients, age-related changes around the eyes may also alter eyelid position over time. For this reason, some pets may require additional correction procedures in the future. Surgical techniques and long-term treatment plans are always tailored individually and discussed in detail during consultations.
Distichiasis Treatment (Cryotherapy / Electroepilation)
This treatment removes abnormal eyelashes that rub against the surface of the eye and cause irritation, tearing, or corneal ulcers.
The affected hairs are treated using freezing therapy (cryotherapy) or a small electrical current (electroepilation) to destroy the hair follicles and reduce regrowth.
Swelling and temporary irritation are common after treatment. Temporary or sometimes permanent lightening or loss of eye pigmentation may occur following cryotherapy. Some hairs can regrow white, which can be obvious in darker haired dogs, and repeat treatment may sometimes be necessary.
Some hairs can regrow over time, and repeat treatment may sometimes be necessary.
Third Eyelid Flap
This temporary protective procedure uses the third eyelid as a natural “bandage” to help protect the cornea during healing.
It is commonly used for selected corneal ulcers, superficial injuries, or after certain eye procedures. There will be no vision from the affected eye whilst the flap remains in situ.
Mild discharge and swelling are normal during healing. Because the cornea cannot be fully examined while the flap is in place, regular monitoring is important. Despite placement of the third eyelid flap, ongoing use of eye medications remains essential.
The flap is usually removed after two weeks, once healing has improved.
Medial Canthoplasty
This reconstructive eyelid procedure shortens and reshapes the inner corner of the eyelids to improve eye protection and reduce irritation.
It is most commonly recommended for flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds prone to excessive eye exposure, chronic discharge, corneal ulcers, or irritation.
The aim of medial canthoplasty is to correct medial entropion, or rolling in of the over long eyelids on the nasal side of the eyes, improving eyelid function and protecting the surface of the eye from abrasion by hairs. Mild swelling and bruising are expected after surgery, and most pets recover very well with improved long-term comfort and a reduced risk of future ocular complications. A protective collar is essential to prevent damage to the surgical site, and regular eye drops and follow-up visits remain very important during recovery.
Diamond Eye Surgery
This specialised reconstructive eyelid procedure corrects complex eyelid conformational problems, most commonly in giant breeds with excessive facial skin folds and loose skin around the eyes. The surgery aims to improve eyelid function, reduce chronic irritation, and better protect the surface of the eye. Swelling and bruising are expected during healing. In some patients, minor adjustments or additional procedures may occasionally be required as tissues settle over time.
Large breeds such as Mastiffs, St. Bernards and Leonbergers can suffer from Diamond Eye / Ectropion
This procedure removes small eyelid masses or growths while preserving normal eyelid function and comfort.
A small section of the eyelid is carefully removed and reconstructed using fine stitches.
The removed tissue may be submitted for laboratory analysis if needed.
Mild swelling, discharge, and temporary irritation are common after surgery. Most pets heal quickly and comfortably with minimal long-term effects on eyelid function.
More extensive or complex eyelid mass removals are also performed and may require individually planned reconstructive techniques. In some cases, biopsy sampling before surgery may be recommended to help guide treatment planning. Occasionally, management of more advanced cases may involve collaboration with additional specialist services to achieve the best possible outcome.
Enucleation (Eye Removal Surgery)
Enucleation involves removing a painful, blind, or severely damaged eye when vision cannot be restored and ongoing discomfort cannot be controlled medically. The eyelids are permanently closed with dissolvable stitches.
Although removal of an eye can sound worrying, most pets adapt remarkably well and are often much happier once a painful eye has been removed. In many cases, chronic eye pain can have a far greater impact on comfort, behaviour, and quality of life than loss of vision itself.
Mild swelling, bruising, or a small amount of blood-tinged discharge from the nose or incision can be normal during the first few days after surgery. Your pet will usually go home with pain relief and must wear a protective collar while healing. Complications are uncommon, and most patients recover quickly and comfortably.
Enucleation can often be a relief for dogs that have suffered painful conditions such as acute or chronic glaucoma
Parotid Duct Transposition (PDT)
This specialised procedure redirects a salivary duct to the eye surface to help provide moisture when natural tear production is severely reduced. It is typically recommended for advanced dry eye cases where medical treatment alone is no longer sufficient. Although saliva does not perfectly replace natural tears, the procedure can significantly improve comfort and help preserve the eye. Some discharge or mineral deposits on the cornea may occur long-term, and some patients still require ongoing eye medications and careful periocular hygiene after surgery.
Cyclosporine Implant
A cyclosporine implant is used to provide long-term release of medication that helps stimulate tear production and reduce inflammation in severe dry eye disease. The implant is placed surgically and may reduce the need for frequent topical medications in selected patients, particularly in cases where administering eye drops is difficult. Mild swelling or inflammation can occur after the procedure. Not all patients respond equally, but many experience significant improvement in comfort and eye lubrication over time.
Lavage System Placement
A lavage system is a small soft tube placed to help administer eye medications more comfortably and effectively in selected patients. It may be particularly helpful in patients requiring very frequent eye drops or in those that find topical treatment stressful or difficult to tolerate. The system allows medications to be delivered more easily during recovery and can improve treatment compliance in some cases. Mild irritation or discharge around the placement site can occasionally occur, and regular cleaning and monitoring are important while the system is in place.
Gonioscopy
Gonioscopy is a specialised diagnostic examination used to assess the drainage angle inside the eye and evaluate the risk of glaucoma. The procedure is non-invasive and is usually performed with numbing eye drops while your pet is awake, although mild sedation may occasionally be required. Most pets tolerate the examination very well, as it is relatively quick and minimally invasive.
Ocular Ultrasound
Ocular ultrasound is an imaging test used to examine structures inside and behind the eye that may not be visible during a routine eye examination. It is commonly used to investigate cataracts, retinal detachments, bleeding inside the eye, masses, or other internal eye abnormalities. The procedure is painless and typically performed using topical anaesthetic drops on a conscious patient. Sedation is only occasionally required.
Ocular ultrasound images showing swollen lenses
Post-Operative Care
As with most ophthalmic procedures, wearing a protective collar (E-collar) during healing is extremely important. Although we understand that this can sometimes be challenging for patients and owners alike, preventing rubbing or self-trauma is essential for successful healing and protecting delicate surgical repairs.
Our team will always discuss post-operative management in detail and is happy to advise on eye hygiene, medication administration, protective collar use, and recovery at home. If you have any concerns or uncertainties during your pet’s recovery, we strongly encourage you to contact us — we are always happy to help and support you throughout the healing process.
All procedures, treatment recommendations, and surgical plans are tailored individually following a full ophthalmic examination and discussion with the owner.
