What is Luxating Lens or Lens Luxation?
Luxating Lens is a dislocation of the eye lens. Basically, the eyes lens is held in position between the iris and the vitreous by small fibers called zonules. When these tiny fibers break, the eye lens becomes partially or completely dislocated.
Symptoms
Symptoms of this condition include:
- Squinting
- Pain
- Tearing
- Redness and/or cloudiness
- The eye may appear white looking
Causes
Causes of this condition are divided into two types:
- Primary: with this type, the condition is typically inherited or passed down by the parents. In essence, the small fibers holding the lens in place tend to degenerate. The specific cause is unknown and normally both eyes are subject to this disorder.
- Secondary: with this type, the condition is typically a result of outside trauma to the eye or a separate eye problem (such as glaucoma) and normally only affects one eye.
Treatment and Prevention
Treatment depends on a few different circumstances including:
- The location of the dislocated lens
- The presence of glaucoma
- Likelihood of vision
Typically, this condition requires immediate attention in order to save the eye from possible blindness (the eyes lens may be removed surgically). Be sure to consult with your vet regarding further care after surgery. If glaucoma is present, there are other ways to treat such a problem (see Glaucoma: Treatment and Prevention). In order to prevent this condition, it is best not to breed carriers of the disorder.
Return to the Top of
Lens Luxation
Return to Small Dog
Health Problems
|
