You’re relaxing on the couch when you notice something strange—your dog’s eye catches the light at an odd angle, revealing a cloudy, almost milky-white appearance where crystal clarity once existed. Over the following weeks, you watch your once-confident companion bump into furniture, hesitate at stairs, and struggle to find toys dropped right in front of them. The veterinarian confirms your fear: cataracts. Your mind floods with questions. Will my dog go blind? Is surgery necessary? Can we afford the treatment? What’s the success rate?
Cataracts represent one of the most common eye conditions affecting dogs, with the condition appearing in approximately 1-5% of all dogs but affecting up to 100% of diabetic dogs. The clouding of the eye’s lens can progress from barely noticeable pinpoint opacities to complete blindness, often accompanied by painful complications like glaucoma and uveitis. But here’s the encouraging truth: if your dog is a candidate for cataract surgery, they can have their vision restored and a new lease on life. Modern phacoemulsification surgery boasts 85-90% long-term success rates, with approximately 95% of dogs regaining vision immediately after surgery and 90% maintaining vision at one year post-operatively. This comprehensive 2026 guide delivers everything you need to know—from recognizing early signs and understanding the four stages of cataract development to navigating surgery costs ($2,700-$4,000 for both eyes), recovery protocols, and alternatives when surgery isn’t an option. Whether your dog has hereditary cataracts, diabetic cataracts, or age-related lens changes, this expert-backed resource helps you make informed decisions about your dog’s eye health.
What Are Cataracts in Dogs?
A dog’s eye lens should be crystal clear, but diseases of the lens—like cataracts—can change its transparency or clarity. A dog cataract is an imperfection or “clouding” of the lens of the eye. The function of the lens is to allow passage of light and images directly to the retina where vision occurs.
Cataracts may initially be too small to interfere with vision, but often grow and can drastically impair vision. It’s challenging to determine whether a small cataract will become larger and at what rate it will grow.
The most obvious sign of cataracts in dogs is a cornea that appears cloudy, often milky-white. However, regardless of the size of a cataract, dogs will have diminished vision (like looking through a pane of frosted glass) and can even become blind from the cataracts.
Cataracts vs. Nuclear Sclerosis
Many pet parents confuse cataracts with nuclear sclerosis (also called lenticular sclerosis), a normal age-related change that causes a bluish-gray haze in the center of the lens. Unlike cataracts, nuclear sclerosis doesn’t significantly impair vision and doesn’t require treatment. Your veterinarian can distinguish between the two conditions during examination.
Secondary Complications
Cataracts can cause secondary complications such as uveitis (inflammation inside the eye), glaucoma (increased eye pressure), and lens luxation (dislocation of the lens), which are typically painful. Often, cataracts in dogs can appear as a whitening effect or cloudiness to the dog’s eye and at certain angles or lights, may sparkle. You may witness a crystalline effect to the cornea.
The Four Stages of Cataracts in Dogs
Dog cataracts develop in stages, each with different visual impacts and treatment recommendations:
Stage 1: Incipient Cataracts
The earliest stage—known as the incipient stage—affects less than 15% of the lens and doesn’t cause vision loss. These cataracts are often pinpoint, and many dogs won’t notice them. Surgery to remove the cataract is rarely recommended at this stage.
Management: Monitoring with regular veterinary ophthalmology examinations every 6-12 months to track progression.
Stage 2: Immature Cataracts
As the cataract grows and encompasses 15-99% of the lens, the cataract is at the immature stage. In this stage, vision is affected but still variable. Dogs may begin showing signs of visual impairment like hesitating at stairs or bumping into unfamiliar objects.
Management: Surgery is often recommended at this stage, especially if cataracts are progressing rapidly or causing functional vision loss.
Stage 3: Mature Cataracts
The mature stage is when cataracts cover 100% of the lens, and near-blindness or blindness is noted. Dogs with mature cataracts can only see changes in light. Dogs experiencing this stage should undergo surgery to remove them if all other systemic illnesses are under control.
Management: Surgery is strongly recommended to restore vision and prevent painful complications.
Stage 4: Hypermature Cataracts
Over time, the lens begins to shrink, and the lens capsule appears wrinkled, leading to the hypermature stage. Lens-induced uveitis (inflammation) often occurs at this stage. Cataracts that dissolve on their own without treatment is referred to as cataract dissolution, which can cause deep inflammation within the eye.
Management: Surgery is still possible but carries higher complication risks. Without treatment, the condition can develop into glaucoma.
Recognizing the Signs: What to Watch For
The most obvious sign of cataracts in dogs is a cornea that appears cloudy, often milky-white. At certain angles or in the right light, you might be able to see a crystalline deposit within the eye, but other signs are often unnoticeable, at least at first.
Common Signs of Cataracts
You might notice the following:
- Your pup bumping into objects or hugging the walls when they walk
- Inflammation in or around your dog’s eye, typically described as a “red eye”
- Bulging of your dog’s eye globe
- Your dog squints, paws at their eye(s), or rubs their face/head on the floor or along furniture
- Your dog has increased thirst and/or urination, unexplained weight loss (typically associated with diabetic cataracts)
- Reluctance to navigate stairs or jump on furniture
- Difficulty finding toys or treats on the floor
- Hesitation in unfamiliar environments
- Increased clumsiness or disorientation
Bring your dog to the veterinarian if you see any signs that the eyes have changed in color or clarity or if your dog is showing any signs of illness.
What Causes Cataracts in Dogs?
Hereditary/Genetic Cataracts
The most common cause of cataracts in dogs is hereditary/genetic disease. Hereditary cataracts occur commonly in young dogs between 1 and 5 years old.
Breeds most susceptible to hereditary cataracts include:
- American Cocker Spaniels: One of the most affected breeds
- Poodles: All sizes (Standard, Miniature, Toy)
- Boston Terriers: Early-onset cataracts common
- Labrador Retrievers: Golden and yellow Labs particularly prone
- Golden Retrievers: Moderate to high risk
- Siberian Huskies: Northern breed with genetic predisposition
- Bichon Frise: Small breed commonly affected
- Miniature Schnauzers: High hereditary risk
- French Bulldogs: Increasing prevalence
- Old English Sheepdogs: Known genetic component
- Staffordshire Bull Terriers: Hereditary cataracts documented
- Australian Shepherds: Genetic testing available
- Wire Fox Terriers: Moderate risk
Recent genetic research has identified a DNA sequence associated with hereditary cataracts in Northern dog breeds including Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes, Norwegian Elkhounds, and Samoyeds. A simple genetic test now helps screen breeding dogs to reduce prevalence in future generations.
Diabetic Cataracts
Dog cataracts also occur commonly as a complication of diabetes mellitus. These cataracts develop quickly and can rupture the lens capsule leading to significant complications.
Research shows that approximately 75% of diabetic dogs develop cataracts within 9-12 months of diabetes diagnosis. By 16 months post-diagnosis, nearly 80% have cataracts, and the rate increases to 100% by 470 days. This rapid progression makes diabetic cataracts one of the most challenging forms to manage.
Why diabetes causes cataracts: High blood sugar causes glucose to accumulate in the lens, where it converts to sorbitol. Sorbitol draws water into the lens, causing swelling, fiber disruption, and ultimately clouding.
Other Causes
There are other causes that are much less common, such as:
- Old age: Typically in dogs 8 years and older
- Trauma: Such as electric shock or blunt force injury
- Uveitis: Inflammation of the eye’s uvea
- Hypocalcemia: Low blood calcium levels or hypoparathyroidism
- Environmental exposure: UV light, radiation, or toxic substances
- Nutritional deficiencies: Rare in dogs on quality commercial diets
- Congenital defects: Present from birth
Diagnosing Cataracts: What to Expect at the Vet
To diagnose cataracts in dogs, your vet will ask about your pup’s medical history and previous health concerns, including when you first noticed the symptoms. Then, your vet will perform a complete physical examination to check your dog’s eyes and structures around the eye.
Initial Diagnostic Testing
Initial diagnostic testing (such as blood work and urinalysis) usually does not show any abnormalities unless there is co-existing disease, like diabetes or hypocalcemia.
During the initial eye exam, your vet will use several tests to make a diagnosis of cataracts. These preliminary test results will also establish a baseline for comparing your dog’s progress over time. It may be necessary to dilate your dog’s eyes to get a better look at the outside edge of the cataract and the back of the eye.
Standard Eye Examination Tests
Your vet may perform the following tests:
Slit lamp biomicroscopy: A special light is shone in the dog’s eye, which allows for direct examination of the lens.
Schirmer tear test: A small filter paper is placed inside the dog’s lower eyelid. When the paper is removed, it’s tested for moisture content to measure tear production.
Fluorescein stain: Usually neon orange or yellow, ocular stains are used to evaluate the integrity of the surface of the eye, looking for defects to the cornea, such as scratches or the presence of any foreign materials.
Tonometry: After numbing the surface of the eye with an eye drop, the vet uses a small “pen” to tap the surface of the eye to measure intraocular pressure.
Referral to Veterinary Ophthalmologist
If your vet is unable to do these tests—or the test results indicate an abnormality—you will be referred to a local, board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist.
Pre-Surgical Testing
If your dog is diagnosed with cataracts and it’s decided that surgery is needed, further testing will be done to ensure that the retina (the structure in the back of the eye that processes light information and sends it to the brain) is healthy.
Some cataracts occur secondary to or are associated with loss of retinal function or retinal detachment. Pre-operative tests to evaluate the retina include an electroretinogram (ERG) and an ocular ultrasound.
These tests usually require your dog to be sedated and can take a few hours. If retinal function is compromised, this will affect your dog’s ability to see well—even after cataract removal. In these cases, cataract surgery is not recommended.
Cataract Surgery: The Gold Standard Treatment
There are no medical therapies currently available to reduce or “cure” cataracts in dogs. Currently, canine cataract surgery (called phacoemulsification) is the only option to treat dog cataracts.
Pre-Operative Preparation
To guarantee the best chance of restored vision after cataract surgery, the health of both the eyes and the dog are evaluated. This step is critical, as any underlying diseases such as skin or dental disease should be treated prior to cataract surgery.
Cataracts are a progressive disease, and if surgery is recommended, it should be done sooner rather than later. If your dog is a candidate for phacoemulsification surgery, they can have their vision restored and a new lease on life.
Pre-operative medication must begin and continue for several days to a few weeks prior to surgery. This is to make sure any inflammation in the eyes associated with the cataracts is controlled.
The Phacoemulsification Procedure
Phacoemulsification uses ultrasonic vibrations to break up the clouded lens into tiny pieces, which are then aspirated (suctioned) out of the eye. An artificial intraocular lens (IOL) is typically implanted to replace the natural lens, restoring your dog’s ability to focus.
The surgery is performed under general anesthesia and typically takes 45-90 minutes per eye. Most surgeons recommend operating on both eyes during the same procedure if both have cataracts.
Success Rates
The long-term success rates reported in dogs following uncomplicated cataract surgery range from 85-90%. Dogs diagnosed with diabetic cataracts can also achieve a similar success rate with surgery.
Detailed success statistics:
- Approximately 95% of dogs regain vision as soon as they recover from surgery
- 90% maintain vision at 1 year post-operatively
- 80% maintain vision at 2 years post-operatively
The key to successful long-term outcomes is good post-operative care and regular visits to the veterinarian for eye examinations and monitoring, following surgery and throughout your dog’s life.
Dog Cataract Surgery Cost in 2026
Estimated costs for dog cataract exam, prep, and surgery are as follows:
- Initial exam with an ophthalmologist: $200-$300 (€184-€276)
- ERG, ultrasound and blood work: $1,000-$1,200 (€918-€1,102)
- Cataract surgery on both eyes: $2,700-$4,000 (€2,480-€3,672), including pre-operative examination, surgery, anesthesia, operating room use, hospitalization, and post-operative medications
The average cost is $3,500 (€3,213), which may include a post-operative checkup as well.
Detailed Cost Breakdown
Surgery for one eye: $2,000-$4,000 (€1,837-€3,672)
Surgery for both eyes: $3,000-$6,500 (€2,755-€5,969)
Additional costs to consider:
- Pre-operative medications: $50-$150 (€46-€138)
- Post-operative medications (eye drops, oral medications): $200-$400 (€184-€367) for initial supply
- Follow-up examinations: $100-$250 (€92-€230) per visit
- E-collar (cone): $15-$40 (€14-€37)
- Long-term medications: Some dogs need eye medications for life to control secondary inflammation
Cost Variables
Remember that these costs are only estimates. They may increase or decrease depending on the nature of the cataracts, the presence of systemic disease, and whether complications occur during or after surgery.
Factors affecting cost:
- Geographic location (urban areas typically cost more)
- Surgeon experience and credentials (board-certified ophthalmologists charge premium rates)
- Complications requiring extended care
- Whether one or both eyes need surgery
- Concurrent health conditions requiring management
- Type of intraocular lens implanted
Pet Insurance Coverage
Many comprehensive pet insurance policies cover cataract surgery if the condition isn’t pre-existing. However, hereditary conditions may be excluded depending on the policy. Review your pet insurance coverage carefully and consider purchasing insurance when your dog is young and healthy.
Recovery and Post-Operative Care
After dog cataract surgery, pups are usually kept in the hospital overnight. At home, they must wear a recovery cone or inflatable cone to keep them from scratching at their eye.
Recovery Timeline
The initial healing period following cataract surgery in dogs is approximately 2 weeks. Throughout that period, your dog will need to wear an E-collar (cone) at all times and have their activity restricted to leash walks only.
It may take at least 2 weeks for your pet to fully recover from the surgery and for their eyes to adjust to the artificial lens. However, improvements in vision can be noticed within days after surgery, with around 95% of dogs having vision restored.
Medication Schedule
You will be given eye drops to administer to your dog at least two to four times a day while at home. Your vet will specify how long your individual pup needs them.
Typical post-operative medication regimen:
- Antibiotic eye drops: 3-4 times daily
- Anti-inflammatory eye drops (steroid): 3-4 times daily
- Mydriatic drops (pupil dilators): 2-3 times daily
- Oral anti-inflammatory medication: Once or twice daily
- Pain medication: As needed
Medications might be tapered off after several weeks to a month, but some dogs will need eye medications for life to control secondary complications.
Activity Restrictions
During the 2-week recovery period:
- Keep your dog on leash for all bathroom breaks—no running or playing
- No stairs unless absolutely necessary
- No jumping on furniture or in vehicles
- No roughhousing with other pets or children
- No swimming or bathing (especially avoiding water near the eyes)
- No dog parks or daycare
Follow-Up Examinations
Depending on the results of the 2-week follow-up appointment, your dog’s medications may be reduced. Additional follow-up visits are typically scheduled at:
- 1 week post-surgery
- 2 weeks post-surgery
- 6 weeks post-surgery
- 3 months post-surgery
- 6 months post-surgery
- Annually thereafter
Carefully following your vet’s instructions is essential for achieving a good outcome for your dog’s vision.
Alternatives to Cataract Surgery
If cataract surgery isn’t an option for your dog, your veterinarian will recommend monitoring the cataracts for progression. They might recommend topical anti-inflammatories to prevent inflammation within the eye.
Medical Management
Anti-inflammatory eye drops: Help control inflammation and reduce risk of secondary complications like uveitis.
Glaucoma medications: If your dog develops glaucoma, they might need medications like dorzolamide and timolol that lower pressure within the eye. These medications are eye drops.
Investigational Treatments
Lanosterol eye drops: Some research suggests lanosterol, a naturally occurring steroid, may help dissolve cataracts in early stages. However, efficacy in dogs remains unproven and not FDA-approved.
Nutritional supplements: Antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, lutein, and zeaxanthin may support general eye health but won’t reverse established cataracts.
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10): Could help stabilize lens proteins and slow clouding, but works best as part of a wider eye care routine.
Herbal blends (e.g., bilberry): Sometimes included for general ocular wellness, though efficacy varies.
Important reality check: While certain home remedies and eye drop formulations show promise in delaying progression, they are unlikely to eliminate established cataracts. Over-the-counter eye drops can help soothe irritation and may offer limited supportive benefits, but they are unlikely to fully reverse existing cataracts.
When Surgery Isn’t Possible
Not all untreated cataracts develop into glaucoma, but dogs who have glaucoma are often not candidates for cataract removal surgery. Medical and surgical treatments exist for glaucoma, but in general, it carries a poor prognosis for preserving long-term vision.
If your dog’s cataracts are progressive, your dog might develop secondary issues over time that can lead to blindness and pain. If this happens, your vet might recommend removing the eye.
Living With a Blind Dog: Adaptation and Quality of Life
Even for experienced owners, it can be shocking to see how well most dogs adjust to going blind. The great majority of companion animals that have visual deficits, or have lost sight completely, can still have wonderful, happy and healthy lives as long as their human caregivers recognize their pet’s limitations and take steps to ensure the animal’s safety and comfort and quality of life.
How Dogs Adapt to Vision Loss
Just as with human beings, each dog is an individual and reacts to loss of a special sense differently. Some dogs, particularly if they are aged or have been used to being the alphas of their “packs,” have a harder and longer transition phase. Younger dogs, particularly those with congenital deficits, may adjust quickly and without too much hassle or distress.
With a period of adjustment, visually impaired animals will acclimate to their environments and compensate with their other senses. Dogs that cannot see will “map” their environments if given time and support.
Environmental Modifications
Simple adjustments—like keeping furniture in the same place, using textured rugs, and providing clear pathways—help dogs navigate more confidently. Offering consistent routines and gentle guidance lets dogs remain active and comfortable even with limited sight.
Key environmental adaptations:
- Don’t rearrange furniture once your dog has mapped the space
- Use textured rugs or mats to mark doorways, stairs, or important areas
- Block off hazards like pools, stairs, or sharp corners with baby gates
- Add scent markers using essential oils or room sprays in different areas
- Keep floors clear of toys, shoes, and obstacles
- Use bells on collars for other pets so your blind dog knows where they are
- Install nightlights in areas your dog frequents
- Create boundaries with carpet runners or textured surfaces
Training and Communication
Blindness doesn’t mean you have to change training routines with your dog—it just may require some shifts in how you cue certain behaviors. Obviously, your blind dog will not be able to respond to visual signals. However, verbal cues work well to help blind dogs maintain existing skills and learn new ones.
Training adaptations:
- Verbal cues replace hand signals
- Physical touch cues like shoulder touch for “sit” or back touch for “down”
- Luring with treats combined with physical cues
- Sound markers like clickers or distinctive words
- Consistent verbal narration (“step up,” “turning left,” “good dog”)
Keeping up regular physical and mental exercise with blind dogs is important. Training continues to build self-confidence, which is particularly important for dogs with impaired vision.
Preventing Cataracts: What You Can Control
Genetic Screening
If you’re purchasing a purebred puppy from a breed prone to hereditary cataracts, ensure the breeder conducts eye examinations by board-certified veterinary ophthalmologists and genetic testing where available.
Diabetes Management
For diabetic dogs, excellent glucose control dramatically slows cataract development. Work closely with your veterinarian to:
- Maintain consistent insulin dosing schedules
- Feed consistent, appropriate diabetic diets
- Monitor blood glucose regularly
- Adjust insulin doses as needed based on monitoring
- Watch for early signs of cataracts so surgery can be performed before hypermature stage
Regular Eye Examinations
Annual veterinary examinations should include basic eye assessments. For high-risk breeds, consider annual examinations by veterinary ophthalmologists starting at 1-2 years of age to catch cataracts in early stages when monitoring is most effective.
Protective Measures
- UV protection: Consider dog sunglasses (Doggles) for dogs spending significant time outdoors in bright sunlight
- Trauma prevention: Supervise play with other dogs to prevent eye injuries
- Toxin avoidance: Keep your dog away from toxic substances and chemicals
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dogs live comfortably with cataracts?
Unfortunately, dogs cannot live comfortably with cataracts long-term. Cataracts affect a dog’s vision and can lead to blindness and several other complications, which are typically painful.
How long can a dog have cataracts before they go blind?
The progression and growth rate of cataracts in dogs is variable. Some cataracts can progress quickly—such as dogs diagnosed with diabetes (80% develop cataracts within 16 months )—and others can have cataracts for quite some time before vision is significantly affected.
Is cataract surgery worth it for a dog?
Yes! If your dog is a candidate for phacoemulsification surgery, they can have their vision restored and a new lease on life. With 85-90% long-term success rates and 95% of dogs regaining vision immediately, surgery offers excellent outcomes.
How much does dog cataract surgery cost?
Surgery on both eyes averages $3,500 (€3,213), ranging from $2,700-$4,000 (€2,480-€3,672). Including all pre-operative testing, the total can reach $4,000-$6,000 (€3,672-€5,510).
What dog breeds are most prone to cataracts?
American Cocker Spaniels, Poodles, Boston Terriers, Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Siberian Huskies, Bichon Frise, and Miniature Schnauzers are among the most susceptible.
How long is recovery from dog cataract surgery?
Initial healing takes approximately 2 weeks, during which your dog wears an E-collar and is restricted to leash walks only. Vision improvements are noticeable within days, with full recovery taking several weeks.
Can cataracts be prevented in dogs?
Hereditary cataracts cannot be prevented, but responsible breeding practices reduce prevalence. Excellent diabetes management can slow cataract development in diabetic dogs.
Are there alternatives to cataract surgery?
No medical therapies currently cure cataracts. Anti-inflammatory eye drops can help manage complications, but won’t restore vision. Dogs adapt well to blindness with environmental modifications.
Do cataracts hurt dogs?
Cataracts themselves aren’t painful, but secondary complications like uveitis and glaucoma are typically painful.
Can blind dogs live happy lives?
Yes! Dogs adjust remarkably well to vision loss with proper environmental modifications, consistent routines, and patient caregiving. Most blind dogs maintain excellent quality of life.
The Bottom Line: Hope and Help for Dogs With Cataracts
Discovering your dog has cataracts feels devastating, but modern veterinary ophthalmology offers genuine hope. With 95% of dogs regaining vision after uncomplicated surgery and 90% maintaining that vision a year later, cataract surgery represents one of veterinary medicine’s most successful procedures. Yes, the $3,500 average cost is significant, but for most families, restoring their beloved companion’s sight is priceless.
If surgery isn’t feasible due to financial constraints, concurrent health issues, or patient factors, remember that dogs adapt remarkably well to vision loss. With environmental modifications, consistent routines, and patient guidance, blind dogs live happy, fulfilling lives. The key is early detection, appropriate treatment decisions, and commitment to your dog’s quality of life—whether through surgical vision restoration or compassionate adaptation to blindness.
Talk to your veterinarian at the first sign of eye cloudiness. Early intervention provides more treatment options and better outcomes. Your dog’s cloudy eyes don’t have to mean the end of their clear, confident vision or their enjoyment of life.
Smart Pet Care Information Hub
Explore essential pet care information — from nutrition and exercise routines to first aid and seasonal health tips. Empower yourself with the knowledge your pet deserves.