Ophthalmology

The Ophthalmology service at WVRC provides a wide range of examination/diagnostic testing, medical therapy, and general ophthalmic and advanced microsurgical procedures.

Our board certified specialist has extensive training and experience in a broad range of ophthalmic services. Our ophthalmologist will work with you and your family veterinarian to provide the comprehensive eye care your dog or cat needs. When necessary, we work closely with our other specialty services and your veterinarian to provide the most comprehensive patient care possible.

Here’s what to expect at your pet’s first ophthalmology visit.

Commonly treated conditions and diseases

• Cataracts
• Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (dry eye) (KCS)
• Corneal ulcers
• Glaucoma
• Uveitis
• Distichiasis
• Cherry eye
• Entropion

Ophthalmic Diagnostics and Testing:

• Aqueocentesis/Vitreocentesis
• Breed Certification Examinations for Purebred Dogs to screen for inherited eye disease.
• Dacryocystorhinography for the evaluation of the nasolacrimal system (tear duct).
• Electroretinogram (ERG) to diagnose retinal diseases and the electrical function of the retina to light stimulus.
• Fluorescein and rose bengal stain for ulcers.
• Gonioscopy for evaluation of the iridocorneal angle.
• Microscopic exam of eyelids, iris, cornea, lens.
• Retinal examination
• Schirmer tear testing for dry eye.
• Slit lamp biomicropsy for examination of the front of the eye.
• Tonometry for glaucoma.
• Ultrasonography (ocular and orbital)

Surgical Services

• Blepharoplasty
  • Reconstructive eyelid surgery for a variety of conditions including eyelid tumors and congenital defects.
• Cataract Surgery
  • Surgery is the only effective treatment for cataracts.  Phacoemulsification utilizes ultrasonic energy to emulsify (break up) the lens which is then removed from the eye.  To provide optimal post operative vision, a synthetic intraocular lens is inserted into the eye in most cases.  While complications are possible, cataract surgery is successful in restoring vision in the majority of patients.
• Corneal transplantation
  • A surgical procedure where a damaged or diseased cornea is replaced by donated corneal tissue (or synthetic material) in its entirety (penetrating keratoplasty) or in part (lamellar keratoplasty).
• Cryotherapy
  • The application of very low temperature (followed by thaw) to treat a variety of conditions (distichia, eyelid neoplasia, ectopic cillia).
• Enucleation
  • The surgical removal of the eye.  This type of surgery is indicated for a variety of ocular tumors, severe ocular trauma, and in eyes that are otherwise blind and painful.
• Evisceration and Intraocular Prosthesis
  • The surgical removal of the internal contents of the eye followed by placement of an intraocular prosthetic.
• Eyelid surgery
• Keratectomy
  • Surgical removal of corneal tissue for a variety of corneal pathology.
• Glaucoma surgery
  • A surgical procedure where damaged or diseased cornea is replaced by donated corneal tissue (or synthetic material).
  • Grid Keratotomy
    • A surgical procedure that is performed on indolent, or slow healing, corneal ulcers.
• Laser Surgery
  • Used to treat glaucoma, ocular neoplasia and cysts, as well as to perform retinopexy (procedure to help prevent or treat a retinal tear or detachment).
  • Luxated Lens Removal
    • The surgical removal of a dislocated lens.
• Surgery for glaucoma
• Surgery for dry eye
  • Parotid Duct Transposition is a treatment option for patients with KCS that is unresponsive to medical therapy. This surgery results in the redirection of the parotid salivary duct from the mouth to the eye so that the ocular surface is lubricated by saliva rather than tears.
• Surgical repair of corneal ulcers