Ophthalmology

Red Bank Veterinary Hospitals Offers Medical Treatment & Surgery for Pet Eye Problems

The Red Bank Veterinary Hospitals Ophthalmology Department specializes in treating diseases of the eye in small animals. Since pets cannot respond to conventional testing methods such as eye charts, veterinary ophthalmologists use other means to gauge eye health.

Evaluating Vision in Pets

Our facility includes multiple exam rooms, diagnostic areas, and surgical suites for safe and effective ophthalmology services. Your pet’s eye exam may include:

  • Internal and external examination of the eye—Assesses overall eye health
  • Measurement of eye pressure—Diagnoses glaucoma
  • Dilation of the pupils—Reveals cataracts and retinal problems, such as damaged blood vessels signifying diabetes, high blood pressure, and other systemic diseases
  • Schirmer tear test—Measures tear production
  • Fluorescein corneal stain—Reveals corneal lesions

We are equipped with an operating microscope, phacoemulsification unit for cataract removal, cryo-surgical unit, diode laser, electroretinography, and ultrasonography.

Diagnostic Vision Tests

Our Ophthalmology Department provides diagnostic tests for corneal ulcers, cataracts, glaucoma, and retinal diseases.

  • CERF ocular examinations—certify that a breeding dog is free of genetic ocular conditions.
  • Gonioscopy—determines if an eye is at risk for developing glaucoma.
  • CT scan and MRI—help diagnose diseases behind the eye and within the orbit.
  • Electroretinography (ERG)—helps determine if the retina is functioning normally, often prior to cataract surgery.

Common Diseases of the Eye

We provide medical management of all ocular diseases affecting the eye, such as cancer. We also perform surgical treatment of eyelids, eyes, and surrounding tissues.

Common eye conditions, along with description and treatment:

  • Eyelid neoplasms—Most eyelid growths in dogs are benign but may require surgical removal. Eyelid neoplasms in cats are usually malignant and require aggressive treatment.
  • Entropion—In entropion, eyelids roll inward directly irritating the eye; surgical correction is always warranted.
  • Cherry eye—A prolapsed gland of the third eyelid, most dogs develop cherry eye at a young age; surgical correction is warranted.
  • Corneal ulcers—An ulcer is erosion on the surface of the eye, painful and sometimes requiring surgical correction.
  • Glaucoma—A devastating disease, glaucoma causes the intraocular pressure to become elevated and frequently leads to blindness; early aggressive therapy is always required.
  • Cataracts—A cataract is an opacity in the lens. In dogs, cataracts are secondary to diabetes or a genetic problem; surgery is required to maintain or restore vision. Cataracts are less common in cats.

 

WHAT IS A BOARD CERTIFIED VETERINARY OPHTHALMOLOGIST?

Board certified veterinary ophthalmologists focus on diagnosing and treating diseases of the eye. In addition to undergraduate training and four years of veterinary school, they complete an internship and residency in their specialized field, an additional three to five years of training. This is followed by a rigorous examination from the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists. Passing this examination grants the status of Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (DACVO). Board certified ophthalmologists work together with primary care veterinarians to provide the best eye care available for pets.

Meet our Ophthalmology Team


Locations