Ophthalmology

👁️ Veterinary Ophthalmology: Understanding Eye Examinations and Diagnostic Tests

Specialized Care & Diagnostics — Southern Ocean Animal Hospital
319 E Main St, Tuckerton, NJ 08087

TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read)

Veterinary ophthalmology focuses on diagnosing and treating eye diseases in dogs, cats, and other pets.
Common diagnostic tools include:
- External & Internal Eye Exams: Assess eyelids, cornea, lens, and retina.
- Eye Pressure Measurement (Tonometry): Screens for glaucoma and uveitis.
- Pupil Dilation: Allows detailed internal eye examination.
- Schirmer Tear Test: Evaluates tear production to diagnose “dry eye.”
- Fluorescein Corneal Stain: Detects scratches, ulcers, and corneal injuries.
Common Conditions: Conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, glaucoma, cataracts, uveitis, cherry eye, dry eye (KCS).
Dr. Daniel N. Pascetta, DVM, uses specialized diagnostic equipment and years of experience to accurately diagnose and treat ocular diseases with precision and care.

ELI5 (Explain Like I’m 5)

Your pet’s eyes work a lot like yours—they can get irritated, dry, scratched, or swollen.
Vets like Dr. Dan use special tools (tiny lights, eye drops, and gentle machines) to:

Look inside the eye,
Check for scratches,
Measure pressure,
And make sure the eyes make enough tears.

If something’s wrong, he finds out exactly what it is and helps fix it—so your pet can see clearly again.

Key Points (Quick Summary)

Purpose: Detect and treat early signs of eye disease to prevent pain and vision loss.
Techniques: External/Internal Exam, Tonometry, Pupil Dilation, Schirmer Tear Test, Fluorescein Staining.
Common Conditions: Glaucoma, corneal ulcers, cataracts, uveitis, conjunctivitis, keratoconjunctivitis sicca.
Equipment: Slit lamp, ophthalmoscope, tonometer, fluorescein dye, and tear test strips.
Expertise: Dr. Pascetta combines general practice precision with specialized training in ophthalmic diagnostics.

Introduction

Eyes are among the most delicate and complex organs in both humans and animals. For pets, vision not only helps them navigate their environment—it influences their behavior, confidence, and safety.

Ophthalmology for pets is the branch of veterinary medicine that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of eye conditions in animals like dogs, cats, and others. It addresses a wide range of issues, from common problems like cataracts and infections to more serious conditions such as glaucoma and corneal ulcers. An animal ophthalmologist is a veterinarian with specialized training in this area who uses specialized equipment and diagnostic tools to preserve and improve a pet’s vision.

At Southern Ocean Animal Hospital (SOAH) in Tuckerton, NJ, Daniel N. Pascetta, DVM, provides advanced ophthalmic care as part of the hospital’s Specialized Care & Diagnostics services. Using state-of-the-art tools and refined diagnostic techniques, Dr. Pascetta identifies and treats eye disorders in dogs, cats, and other small animals, ensuring their comfort, safety, and long-term vision health.

SECTION 1: The Importance of Eye Health in Pets

Why Eye Exams Matter

Eye diseases in pets can progress rapidly—sometimes within hours. Early detection prevents permanent damage and helps manage chronic conditions like glaucoma or “dry eye.”

Because pets cannot express discomfort verbally, subtle signs often go unnoticed until the disease is advanced. That’s why routine eye evaluations are crucial, especially for breeds predisposed to eye issues (e.g., Shih Tzus, Pugs, Cocker Spaniels, Persians, and Siamese cats).

Common Warning Signs of Eye Problems

Redness or swelling around the eyes
Squinting, pawing at eyes, or rubbing face on furniture
Cloudy or bluish cornea
Visible discharge (watery, mucous, or pus-like)
Sudden blindness or bumping into objects
Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
Third eyelid protrusion

Any of these symptoms warrant immediate veterinary evaluation.

SECTION 2: The Comprehensive Eye Examination

Step 1: External Examination

This is the first stage of any ophthalmic evaluation.
Dr. Pascetta visually inspects:

Eyelids & lashes – for swelling, masses, or abnormal hair growth (entropion, distichia).
Conjunctiva – the pink membrane lining the eyelids for redness or discharge.
Cornea – the clear outer layer for scratches, ulcers, or cloudiness.
Sclera – the white of the eye for discoloration or inflammation.

Lighting & Magnification:
Using an ophthalmoscope or slit-lamp biomicroscope, Dr. Pascetta observes fine structures under magnification to assess texture, color, and reflection.

Step 2: Internal (Intraocular) Examination

After external structures are evaluated, the internal anatomy—iris, lens, retina, and optic nerve—are examined.

Techniques Include:

Indirect Ophthalmoscopy: Provides a wide-field view of the retina.
Direct Ophthalmoscopy: Offers a magnified, detailed view of the optic nerve and vessels.
Slit Lamp Examination: Illuminates layers of the cornea and anterior chamber to detect inflammation or cataracts.

Step 3: Dilation of the Pupils

Why It’s Done:
Pupil dilation allows for a deeper examination of the retina and optic nerve.

How It Works:

A tropicamide eye drop is applied to widen the pupil.
Within 15–30 minutes, the vet can view deeper structures.

Safety Notes:
Dilation is painless but temporarily blurs vision and increases light sensitivity, so pets are kept calm and protected from bright light until it wears off.

Conditions Detected:

Retinal degeneration
Optic nerve disease
Lens luxation or cataracts
Systemic hypertension-related retinal detachment

Step 4: Measurement of Eye Pressure (Tonometry)

Purpose: To measure intraocular pressure (IOP)—a vital indicator of glaucoma or uveitis.

Equipment:

Tonometer (e.g., Tono-Pen or rebound tonometer)
Topical anesthetic drops to prevent discomfort

Normal IOP Values:

Dogs: 10–25 mmHg
Cats: 15–30 mmHg

Abnormal Findings:

High IOP (>25 mmHg): Glaucoma – risk of permanent vision loss
Low IOP (<10 mmHg): Uveitis – often due to inflammation or infection

Why It Matters:
Changes in IOP can indicate pain or underlying systemic disease. Early detection can prevent irreversible blindness.

Step 5: Schirmer Tear Test (STT)

Purpose: Measures tear production to diagnose Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (KCS), or “dry eye.”

Method:

A thin paper strip is placed inside the lower eyelid for 1 minute.
The wet portion (measured in millimeters) indicates tear flow.

Normal Reading:

15 mm/min in dogs and cats

Low Reading:

<10 mm/min indicates reduced tear production.

Why It’s Important:
Inadequate tear production leads to chronic irritation, corneal ulcers, and vision loss if untreated.

Step 6: Fluorescein Corneal Stain

Purpose: To identify corneal ulcers, scratches, or foreign bodies.

How It Works:

A few drops of fluorescein dye are applied to the eye.
Under a blue light, damaged corneal areas glow bright green.

Conditions Detected:

Corneal ulcers or abrasions
Foreign material under the eyelid
Improper eyelid closure (lagophthalmos)
Healing progress after surgery

Follow-Up Care:
Depending on severity, treatment may include antibiotic drops, protective lenses, or surgical repair.

SECTION 3: Common Eye Conditions in Dogs & Cats

1. Conjunctivitis (“Pink Eye”)

Inflammation of the conjunctiva caused by infection, allergies, or irritation.
Symptoms: Redness, discharge, swelling.
Treatment: Topical antibiotics or anti-inflammatory drops.

2. Corneal Ulcers

Surface damage from trauma, dry eye, or infections.
Symptoms: Squinting, tearing, cloudy eye.
Treatment: Fluorescein stain confirmation, antibiotic ointments, or surgery for deep ulcers.

3. Glaucoma

Increased intraocular pressure damaging the optic nerve.
Symptoms: Pain, cloudy cornea, enlarged eye.
Treatment: Eye pressure medication or surgical correction.

4. Cataracts

Lens opacity causing cloudy vision or blindness.
Treatment: Surgical removal (phacoemulsification).

5. Uveitis

Inflammation of the middle eye layers (iris, ciliary body, choroid).
Symptoms: Pain, light sensitivity, squinting, red eye.
Treatment: Anti-inflammatories, immunosuppressants, treat underlying causes.

6. Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (Dry Eye)

Low tear production leading to irritation and infection.
Diagnosis: Schirmer Tear Test.
Treatment: Tear stimulants (Cyclosporine), artificial tears.

7. Cherry Eye

Prolapsed gland of the third eyelid.
Treatment: Surgical repositioning.

SECTION 4: Techniques of an Experienced Veterinarian

At Southern Ocean Animal Hospital, Dr. Daniel N. Pascetta, DVM, uses a multi-step, technology-driven diagnostic process:

Direct & Indirect Ophthalmoscopy: Magnified internal and retinal visualization.
Slit Lamp Microscopy: Detects corneal layers and anterior chamber depth.
Tonometry: Digital precision for intraocular pressure readings.
Fluorescein Imaging: For corneal damage and ulcer assessment.
Comprehensive Lab Testing: To identify systemic causes of ocular disease.
Advanced Pain Management: Ensuring comfort during all procedures.

His experience allows for quick interpretation of subtle findings—critical for preventing irreversible damage.

Example Case

Case: Bella, a 6-Year-Old Shih Tzu

Bella presented with watery eyes and squinting. Dr. Pascetta performed:

External Exam: Detected mild eyelid inflammation.
Schirmer Tear Test: 4 mm/min (very low).
Fluorescein Stain: Negative (no ulcer).
Diagnosis: Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (Dry Eye).

Treatment:

Cyclosporine drops twice daily
Artificial tear supplement
Regular rechecks every 3 months

After two weeks, Bella’s eyes improved dramatically—less redness and no discharge. Long-term maintenance kept her comfortable and seeing clearly.

Timeline for an Eye Diagnosis

Day	Procedure	Purpose
Day 1	Exam + Eye Pressure + Schirmer + Fluorescein	Diagnose issue
Day 2–7	Medication begins (drops, ointments)	Reduce inflammation/infection
Week 2	Follow-up visit	Check tear production or healing
Month 1	Ongoing therapy	Prevent recurrence
3–6 Months	Recheck	Adjust treatment for chronic conditions

What-If Scenarios

What if an eye ulcer is untreated?
→ It can worsen rapidly, leading to infection, corneal rupture, or blindness.
What if a pet has glaucoma symptoms ignored?
→ Elevated eye pressure can cause permanent vision loss within days.
What if tear production is chronically low?
→ Corneal scarring and chronic pain develop—permanent damage is likely.
What if dilation or tonometry is delayed?
→ Retinal detachment or optic nerve disease may go undetected.

SECTION 5: Generational Relevance in Pet Eye Care

Boomers/Gen X: Prioritize regular wellness exams and chronic eye management for aging pets.
Millennials: Seek convenience, preventive screenings, and eco-friendly products for pet eye care.
Gen Z: Value immediate diagnostics and technology-driven transparency—prefer real-time imaging results.

Dr. Pascetta’s approach meets all these needs through education, precision, and compassionate care.

SECTION 6: Service Area

📍 Southern Ocean Animal Hospital
319 E Main St, Tuckerton, NJ 08087

Serving pet owners across:

Ocean County: Tuckerton, Manahawkin, Little Egg Harbor, Barnegat, Stafford, Waretown, Forked River, Bayville, Toms River, Brick.
LBI Towns: Beach Haven, Surf City, Ship Bottom, Long Beach Township, Eagleswood.
Atlantic County: Galloway, Absecon, Brigantine, Atlantic City.
Burlington County: New Gretna, Bass River.

Many pet owners travel over an hour to SOAH for its reputation as one of the most trusted animal hospitals for specialized eye diagnostics and internal medicine.

Schedule an Appointment

If your pet is squinting, rubbing its eyes, tearing excessively, or has cloudy or red eyes, it’s time for a professional evaluation.

At Southern Ocean Animal Hospital, Dr. Daniel N. Pascetta, DVM, provides comprehensive ophthalmic exams, including eye pressure testing, pupil dilation, tear production measurement, and corneal staining—to diagnose and treat conditions before they become painful or irreversible.

📞 Call today to schedule an ophthalmology consultation—because your pet deserves clear, healthy vision for life.