Pet health library

Glaucoma: don't wait on the eyes

Glaucoma is painful, can progress quickly, and can threaten your pet's sight. Knowing the warning signs helps you act before lasting damage is done.

Glaucoma happens when pressure builds up inside the eye. That pressure is painful and, if it isn't relieved promptly, can permanently damage vision. It can develop on its own or as a result of another eye problem, and some breeds are more prone to it.

Warning signs

Eye problems can look subtle at first. Contact us promptly if you notice:

  • A red, cloudy, or bluish-looking eye
  • One eye that appears larger or bulging
  • Squinting, tearing, or sensitivity to light
  • Rubbing or pawing at the eye
  • A pet that seems withdrawn or off - eye pain is easy to miss

Why fast action matters

Because high eye pressure is both painful and damaging, glaucoma is treated as an urgent problem. The sooner we can measure the pressure and begin treatment, the better the chance of relieving pain and preserving whatever vision we can. If you suspect an eye problem, don't wait for it to pass - call us the same day.

Good to know

Common questions

Is glaucoma an emergency?
Treat sudden eye changes - especially a red, cloudy, bulging or painful eye - as a same-day emergency. Rapid treatment gives the best chance of relieving pain and saving vision.
Can glaucoma be treated?
Yes. Depending on the cause and how early it's caught, we use medications to lower eye pressure and manage pain, and in some cases refer to a veterinary ophthalmologist. Early treatment gives the best outcomes.

Questions? Call your Fort Collins vet.