Pet Eye Care and Ophthalmology in Lubbock, TX
Your pet’s eyes do much more than help them see. The eyes are the only organ that allows a veterinarian to look directly at blood vessels and nerves inside the body without surgery or imaging. Because of this, the eyes often show changes caused by diseases elsewhere in the body, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, infectious disease, endocrine disease, cancer, or heart disease. At Hub City Veterinary Clinic, eye exams are an important part of protecting both your pet’s vision and their overall health.
Our Eye Examination and Diagnostics
A complete ophthalmic exam allows our veterinarians to evaluate the eyelids, cornea, lens, retina, and surrounding structures. Along with the exam, we use a core set of diagnostic tests to reach an accurate diagnosis:
- Fluorescein stain: a special dye that highlights scratches and ulcers on the surface of the eye
- Schirmer Tear Test: measures tear production to diagnose dry eye
- Tonometry: measures pressure inside the eye to detect glaucoma and inflammation
Common Eye Conditions in Dogs and Cats
We diagnose and treat many eye problems, including conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca), glaucoma, cataracts, uveitis, eyelid abnormalities, cherry eye, and eye infections. Flat-faced breeds, such as bulldogs, pugs, and Persian cats, are especially prone to eye injuries and should have their eyes checked regularly.
Signs of Eye Problems to Watch For
Eye conditions can worsen quickly, so contact us promptly if you notice:
- Redness
- Increased tearing
- Squinting, blinking, or eyelid twitching
- Mucus discharge
- Yellow, green, or other abnormal discharge
- Cloudiness or an abnormal color inside the eye
- An enlarged or bulging eye
- Crying out when the face is touched
- Pawing at the eyes
- Bumping into things
- Not eating or not playing
Sudden eye pain, a bulging eye, or sudden vision loss should be treated as an emergency. Eye changes can also signal age-related disease, which is one reason we include eye exams in our senior wellness care.
To schedule an eye exam for your pet, call Hub City Veterinary Clinic at (806) 701-5000.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Eye Care
What are signs of an eye problem in my pet?
Watch for redness, tearing, squinting, discharge, cloudiness, pawing at the eyes, or bumping into things.
Is a red or squinting eye an emergency?
Eye problems can worsen quickly. Call us promptly for redness or squinting, and seek immediate care for sudden pain, a bulging eye, or vision loss.
What is a fluorescein stain test?
A fluorescein stain uses a special dye to highlight scratches or ulcers on the surface of the eye.
How is glaucoma diagnosed in pets?
Glaucoma is diagnosed with tonometry, which measures the pressure inside the eye.
What is dry eye in dogs?
Dry eye, or keratoconjunctivitis sicca, occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears. It is diagnosed with a Schirmer Tear Test and is usually managed with eye medications.
Can eye changes indicate other health problems?
Yes. Eye changes can be linked to diabetes, high blood pressure, infections, endocrine disease, cancer, and heart disease.
Are some breeds more prone to eye problems?
Yes. Flat-faced breeds such as bulldogs, pugs, and Persian cats are more prone to eye injuries and conditions.
