Think twice before using eye drops on your dog to dissolve cataracts

There is poor evidence supporting this treatment, especially if the cloudiness in dogs' eyes is nuclear sclerosis and not cataracts

- Gladys Boo

Many dog owners use the word "cataracts" when they see cloudiness in their dogs' eyes, drawing from their knowledge of how cataracts affect ageing people.

However, what they are seeing is often nuclear sclerosis, not cataracts. Every dog will experience nuclear sclerosis, which is a normal change as a result of ageing that makes the lens appear slightly cloudy, like looking through lightly frosted glass.

Unlike cataracts, nuclear sclerosis does not cause pain or vision loss. True cataracts are opacities in the lens that block vision.

A veterinary ophthalmologist's specialised equipment and knowledge can help to differentiate the two conditions.

While nuclear sclerosis occurs in cats, it does not look so white in their eyes compared with the condition in dogs.

In Singapore, lanosterol eye drops are being marketed for dissolving cataracts in dogs, but these products may rob dogs of their sight by delaying proper treatment.

Dog owners may opt for these eye drops to avoid general anaesthesia and surgery, as well as for their ease of use, accessibility and seemingly few side effects.