Vision is essential for an animal's interaction with its environment, whether it's a playful puppy chasing a ball, a horse navigating a jumping course, or a cat stalking its prey. However, like humans, animals suffer from various eye diseases and conditions that impair their sight and overall well-being.

Veterinary ophthalmology is a specialised field within veterinary medicine dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of eye disorders in animals. It plays a vital role in preserving and restoring vision across a wide range of species, from dogs and cats to horses and even animals in confined habitats like zoos.

Animals can experience a wide range of eye problems, many of which are similar to those found in humans. Some of the most commonly treated conditions include cataracts, a frequent cause of vision loss in diabetic and ageing pets that leads to blurry vision and, in severe cases, blindness. Surgery is the most effective treatment in such cases.

From glaucoma and corneal ulcers to eyelid abnormalities, uveitis, tumours, and hereditary conditions like corneal dystrophy and lens subluxation, various eye disorders can cause pain, irritation, and vision loss if not diagnosed and treated in time.

At CGS Hospital, our team of veterinary ophthalmologists manages a variety of ophthalmic cases, treating both pets and community animals from the Pasha Wing. Many animal lives have been transformed at CGS Hospital through cataract surgeries, corneal surgeries, eyelid corrections, and glaucoma management. Numerous community animals, once struggling to survive on the streets due to vision impairment, have been successfully treated and are now leading normal lives.

Looking ahead, CGS Hospital plans to further strengthen its ophthalmology department with cutting-edge advancements to provide the finest eye care to small animals.

By Dr. Chandni Parastias,
Veterinarian at CGS Hospital, Gurugram

Featured in Glimpses, April 2025

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