Senior Dog Eye Problems: Keeping Your Senior Dog’s Eyes Healthy

By Brittany Schlesener, DACVO

As our dogs grow older, their needs change, which includes the way we care for their eyes. Senior dogs can develop age-related eye conditions that can affect comfort, vision, and quality of life. But the good news is that with regular monitoring and proactive veterinary care, many of these issues can be managed successfully.

What Happens to a Dog’s Eyes as They Age?

Just like people, dogs’ eyes naturally change with age. Some changes are harmless, while others may signal disease:

• Nuclear sclerosis: A normal, age-related hardening of the lens that makes the eyes appear bluish, “pearly,” or cloudy. Unlike cataracts, it usually does not cause blindness.
• Cataracts: A cloudy lens that does block light from reaching the retina, leading to vision loss if untreated. Just like in people, cataracts can be treated in dogs as long as they’re a good surgical candidate.
• Dry eye (KCS): Tear production decreases, making eyes red, irritated, or prone to infection.
• Glaucoma: Increased pressure inside the eye that is both painful and vision-threatening.
• Retinal degeneration: The light-sensitive layer in the back of the eye deteriorates, often causing night blindness at first, but can progress to involving blindness in well-lit conditions as well.

Signs of Eye Problems in Senior Dogs

Because dogs don’t complain, it’s up to us to watch for clues that something is wrong. Contact your veterinarian if you notice:

• Cloudy or bluish eyes
• Eye redness or swelling 
• Eye discharge (e.g., clear, yellow, or green) or excessive tearing
• Squinting or keeping an eye closed
• Bumping into furniture, reluctance with stairs, or changes in confidence getting around at night
• Pawing or rubbing at the face

How Veterinarians Check Senior Dog Eyes

During an eye exam, a veterinarian may use special tools to:

• Measure tear production to check for dry eye
• Test intraocular pressure to screen for glaucoma
• Stain the cornea to look for ulcers or scratches
• Dilate the pupils to view the lens and retina more closely

These tests are quick, painless, and can provide valuable insight into your dog’s vision and comfort.

Treatment & Management Options

Senior eye care is all about maximizing comfort and preserving vision wherever possible. Depending on the condition, treatment may include:

• Eye drops to replace tears, control pressure, treat infection, or reduce inflammation
• Surgery for advanced cataracts or glaucoma
• Supplements to support retinal health (such as antioxidants)
• Environmental adjustments such as night lights, non-slip rugs, special toys, and consistent furniture placement help dogs with reduced vision navigate confidently. 

How Owners Can Help at Home

• Schedule regular exams: Annual (or biannual for seniors) eye checks can catch problems early.
• Keep eyes clean: Gently wipe away discharge with a damp cloth or unscented baby wipe, avoiding detergents, soaps, and other harsh chemicals.
• Protect from trauma: Older dogs may be less agile, so keep sharp corners padded and avoid rough play around the eyes. It’s crucial to avoid allowing them from being close to standing water (e.g., pool) and/or traffic without close monitoring.
• Watch for changes: Any sudden worsening of cloudiness, squinting, or vision deserves immediate attention.

Take-Home Message

Our dogs give us companionship and love during their best years. Caring for their vision is one way we can return the favor. Many age-related eye conditions can be managed successfully, especially when caught early. With regular check-ups and attentive care, senior dogs can enjoy clear, comfortable vision well into their golden years.