Ophthalmic Surgery for Pets: Protecting Your Pet's Eyesight and Comfort

A red, irritated, or squinting eye is never something to wait out. Our veterinarians treat common eye conditions surgically and refer complex cases to a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist when your pet needs specialized care.

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When a Watery, Squinting Eye Needs More Than Drops

Some eye problems clear up with medication. Others, like a prolapsed gland or an eyelid that rubs against the cornea, need to be corrected surgically before they cause lasting damage. Left untreated, these conditions are painful and can threaten your pet’s vision.

Comprehensive Vet Services

Eye problems rarely wait. Here’s how we treat the most common conditions surgically and when we involve a specialist.

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Common Eye Conditions We Treat Surgically

Cherry Eye (Prolapsed Third Eyelid Gland)Common in breeds like Bulldogs, Beagles, and Cocker Spaniels. We reposition the gland surgically rather than removing it, since the gland plays a role in tear production.Entropion and EctropionWhen the eyelid rolls inward or outward, fur and eyelashes can rub against the eye, causing chronic irritation and corneal damage. Surgical correction repositions the eyelid.Eyelid Masses and TumorsGrowths on or near the eyelid are removed to protect the eye and improve your pet’s comfort.Non-Healing Corneal UlcersUlcers that don’t respond to medication may need a minor surgical procedure to encourage healing. You can read more about these conditions in the Merck Veterinary Manual’s guide to eye disorders.

What Happens Before Eye Surgery?

We start with a thorough eye exam to understand exactly what’s causing your pet’s symptoms. Some conditions are straightforward to correct; others, like cataracts or advanced glaucoma, are best handled by a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist, and we’ll refer you to one when that’s the safest option for your pet’s vision.

What Should I Watch for After My Pet's Eye Surgery?

Some redness, mild swelling, or squinting is normal for the first few days. Your pet will likely wear an e-collar to prevent rubbing or scratching at the eye while it heals. Call us if you notice increased discharge, the eye appears to worsen, or your pet seems to be in significant pain.

Why Choose Morgan Hill Animal Hospital for Eye Surgery?

Our veterinarians examine and treat common eye conditions in dogs, cats, and exotic pets, and we know when a case calls for a specialist. When your pet needs advanced care, like cataract surgery, we coordinate a referral to a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist so your pet gets the right level of care.

Is My Pet a Candidate for Eye Surgery?

Most pets with cherry eye, entropion, ectropion, or an eyelid mass are good candidates for surgical correction. We’ll walk you through what to expect at your pet’s exam, including anesthesia considerations for their age and health.

Don't Wait on an Eye Problem

A squinting, red, or watery eye can get worse quickly. Schedule an exam so we can find out what’s going on and recommend the right next step. Call us at (408) 779-7325 or email morganhillvet@gmail.com. Reviewed by Dr. Jaspal Harika, DVM. This page is for educational purposes only and isn’t a substitute for an exam by a licensed veterinarian; if your pet is having an emergency, contact Morgan Hill Animal Hospital or your nearest emergency animal clinic right away.
Have Questions?

Frequently asked questions

If you can’t find what you’re looking for, our support team is always ready to assist you. Your pets health, our priority anytime, anywhere.

Signs include squinting, redness, excessive tearing, a visible growth on the eyelid, or an eyelid that appears rolled in or out. A thorough eye exam will determine whether medication is enough or surgery is needed.
Most pets recover within 1 to 2 weeks, though your pet will likely wear an e-collar for most of that time to protect the eye while it heals. We’ll give you a specific timeline based on your pet’s procedure.
Age alone isn’t a barrier. We evaluate each pet’s overall health, and many senior pets do well with proper anesthetic protocols and pain management.
We’ll provide a checklist that typically includes keeping your pet in a calm, low-activity space, using an e-collar to prevent rubbing, and giving any prescribed eye medication on schedule.
Some conditions, like cataracts or advanced glaucoma, are best treated by a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist. We’ll examine your pet, explain what we’re seeing, and coordinate a referral when specialized care gives your pet the best outcome.
Pain control is our priority. We use pain management before, during, and after surgery, and most pets are noticeably more comfortable once the underlying problem, like a rubbing eyelid, has been corrected.

OTHER SURGERY SERVICES

At Morgan Hill Animal Hospital, we provide a full range of services to keep your pets healthy

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Have Questions?

Frequently asked questions

If you can’t find what you’re looking for, our support team is always ready to assist you. Your pets health, our priority anytime, anywhere.

We offer wellness exams, vaccinations, dental care, diagnostics (X-rays, ultrasound), and surgeries (spay/neuter, orthopedic) for dogs, cats, and exotic pets.

Call (408) 779-7325 or use our online contact form to schedule a visit.

Trusted since 1970, Morgan Hill Animal Hospital delivers compassionate care with an experienced team, advanced technology, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. With a 4.3-star Google rating (59 reviews) and a 4.4-star Yelp rating (174 reviews), we’re a top choice in Morgan Hill. Call (408) 779-7325 to experience our care.

At Morgan Hill Animal Hospital, we provide expert veterinary care for dogs, cats, and exotic pets in Morgan Hill, CA. Our services, including wellness exams, dental care, diagnostics, and surgeries, are tailored to meet the unique needs of each pet. Call (408) 779-7325 to schedule an appointment.

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Hear from pet owners who trust Morgan Hill Animal Hospital for their furry friends’ health and happiness.

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