Pet Ophthalmology

Your pet’s vision and ocular comfort are key to their health and quality of life. At Brewer Veterinary Clinic, our veterinary ophthalmology services are here to protect both with thorough, attentive eye care designed to detect and treat ocular issues before they have a chance to grow serious.

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What Is Veterinary Ophthalmology?

Your pet’s eyes are remarkably complex structures, and conditions affecting them can develop quickly, cause significant discomfort, and—if left unaddressed—threaten your pet’s vision. Veterinary ophthalmology focuses on the diagnosis and management of diseases and conditions affecting the eyes and surrounding structures in companion animals.

At Brewer Veterinary Clinic, our team is experienced in identifying a wide range of ocular conditions and providing appropriate treatment and monitoring. For cases requiring the expertise of a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist—such as complex surgical intervention or highly specialized diagnostics—we maintain strong referral relationships and will coordinate that process to ensure your pet receives the level of care their condition requires.

What Pet Eye Care Services Include

Eye care at Brewer Veterinary Clinic begins with a careful examination of the eye and surrounding structures, followed by targeted diagnostics and treatment based on our findings. Our ophthalmology services may include:

Comprehensive physical examination assessing the eyelids, conjunctiva, cornea, lens, and visible internal structures
Fluorescein staining to detect corneal ulcers or surface injuries not visible to the naked eye
Intraocular pressure measurement (tonometry) to screen for and monitor glaucoma
Schirmer tear testing to evaluate tear production and diagnose dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca)
Evaluation and management of common eye conditions including conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, entropion, cherry eye, and cataracts
Coordination with the in-house diagnostics suite for complete health information
Use of complementary internal medicine services to evaluate issues associated with ocular risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, and immune-mediated diseases

Our team will take the time to examine your pet’s eyes carefully and explain our findings clearly, so you understand exactly what is happening and what options are available.

Why Pet Eye Health Matters

Eye conditions in pets can escalate rapidly, and what begins as a minor irritation can become a serious threat to vision if not promptly addressed. Prioritizing pet eye care allows us to:

Detect and treat corneal ulcers early, before they risk permanent damage to the eye

Identify and manage glaucoma

Address dry eye before chronic inflammation worsens

Treat infections and inflammation before they spread

Evaluate eyelid abnormalities such as entropion and prescribe treatment

Monitor progressive conditions such as cataracts, providing guidance on when and whether surgical referral is appropriate

Catch early signs of systemic diseases that can manifest in the eyes

Many eye conditions are painful, even when pets don’t show obvious signs of distress. Squinting, pawing at the eye, excessive tearing, discharge, cloudiness, or redness are all signs that warrant prompt evaluation—and the sooner we assess the condition, the better the outcome typically is.

Attentive Eye Care for Dogs and Cats Throughout the Region

Brewer Veterinary Clinic has been providing trusted veterinary care to the Brewer community and surrounding areas since 1979. Our team is experienced in recognizing and managing a broad range of ocular conditions in dogs and cats, and we understand how important preserving your pet’s vision and comfort is to their overall quality of life.

When specialist-level ophthalmology care is needed, we work closely with board-certified veterinary ophthalmologists to facilitate referrals and maintain continuity of care. As an AAHA-accredited practice, we adhere to rigorous standards for patient evaluation and treatment, giving you the confidence you deserve that your pet’s eye health is in capable, experienced hands.

FAQs About Pet Ophthalmology

What signs suggest my pet may have an eye problem?

Common signs include squinting or keeping one eye partially closed, redness or swelling around the eye, excessive tearing or discharge, cloudiness or a change in the appearance of the eye, pawing or rubbing at the face, sensitivity to light, or a visible third eyelid. Any of these signs warrants prompt evaluation, as eye conditions can worsen quickly.

Are eye conditions in pets painful?

Many ocular conditions—including corneal ulcers, glaucoma, and dry eye—are associated with significant discomfort. Pets are often very good at masking pain, so even subtle signs of eye irritation should be taken seriously. Addressing eye conditions promptly is important both for your pet’s comfort and for protecting their vision.

What is glaucoma in pets, and how is it treated?

Glaucoma is a condition in which the pressure inside the eye becomes elevated, damaging the optic nerve and potentially leading to vision loss. It can develop suddenly or gradually and is often painful. Treatment typically involves medications to reduce intraocular pressure and, in some cases, surgical intervention. Certain breeds are predisposed to glaucoma, including Basset Hounds, Cocker Spaniels, and Siberian Huskies.

What is dry eye, and can it be managed?

Dry eye, or keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), occurs when the tear glands do not produce adequate moisture to keep the eye lubricated. It causes chronic irritation, discharge, and over time can lead to corneal scarring. It is typically managed with topical medications that stimulate tear production and reduce inflammation, and most pets respond well to treatment with consistent management.

My pet has a cloudy eye—does that mean they have cataracts?

Cloudiness in the eye can be caused by several conditions, including cataracts, nuclear sclerosis—a normal aging change—corneal disease, or uveitis. A veterinary examination is needed to determine the cause. True cataracts involve opacity of the lens and may affect vision; your veterinarian will advise whether monitoring or referral for surgical evaluation is appropriate.

Protecting What Your Pet Sees

Your pet’s vision is an essential part of how they experience and engage with the world around them. At Brewer Veterinary Clinic, we take eye conditions seriously—acting promptly, examining carefully, and communicating clearly so that pet owners across our community can make confident, informed decisions about their companion’s ocular health. Whether we’re managing a straightforward case of conjunctivitis or identifying something that requires specialist attention, our team is committed to protecting your pet’s comfort and vision with the care they deserve.