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.

Surgery

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.
Ophthalmic surgery

A red, squinting, or watery eye should not wait

Which eye problems do you treat surgically?

Cherry eye (a prolapsed third-eyelid gland), common in breeds such as Bulldogs, Beagles, and Cocker Spaniels. We reposition the gland rather than remove it, because it helps make tears. Entropion and ectropion, when the eyelid rolls in or out and fur rubs the cornea. Eyelid masses. Some non-healing corneal ulcers. The Merck Veterinary Manual has an overview of eye disorders.

When do you refer to a specialist?

Cataracts, advanced glaucoma, and other complex vision-threatening disease belong with a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist. We examine first, then coordinate the referral when that is the safer option.

What happens before surgery?

A thorough eye exam. We walk through anesthesia considerations for age and health, and you get a written estimate before we operate.

What should I watch for afterward?

Some redness, mild swelling, or squinting is normal for a few days. Your pet will likely wear an e-collar so they cannot rub the eye. Call us if discharge increases, the eye looks worse, or your pet seems to be in significant pain. Most pets recover in one to two weeks.

What happens at this visit?

  • Eye exam and a written estimate, plus a referral plan if a specialist is safer.
  • Surgery with monitoring and pain control when we operate here.
  • E-collar, medications, and a recheck schedule.

What to bring

Bring a short list of what your pet eats and any medications or preventives they take. You do not need old clinic records if we already see your pet here. Follow any fasting instructions we give when you book.

Reviewed by Dr. Jaspal Harika, DVM, founder and veterinarian at Morgan Hill Animal Hospital.

For informational and educational purposes only. This is not professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If your pet has an emergency, contact Morgan Hill Animal Hospital or your nearest emergency animal clinic immediately. Always consult a licensed veterinarian.

Book an eye exam

Call (408) 779-7325 or use the contact form to schedule.

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.

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