At Alpine Animal Hospital in Pocatello, Idaho, we’re committed to keeping your pets healthy, comfortable, and safe—especially when it comes to something as important as eye health. Whether it’s an injury, a congenital issue, or a degenerative condition, knowing when your pet may need eye surgery can make all the difference in preserving their vision and quality of life.

Why Eye Health Matters in Pets

Eyes play a crucial role in how pets explore, navigate, and interact with their surroundings. Unfortunately, many eye injuries and diseases progress quickly, and some can lead to permanent vision loss or even life-threatening complications if not treated promptly.

From mild irritations to advanced disease, early intervention is key. In some cases, surgery is the best or only option to relieve pain, preserve sight, or prevent more serious outcomes.

Concerned about your pet’s eyes?
Schedule an Eye Exam at Alpine Animal Hospital

Common Eye Conditions That May Require Surgery

1. Corneal Ulcers: Surface Damage to the Eye

Corneal ulcers occur when the surface of the eye becomes scratched, infected, or compromised.

Signs:

  • Squinting or excessive blinking
  • Watery or thick discharge
  • Cloudy or bluish eye surface

Causes:

  • Trauma (scratching, foreign body)
  • Dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca)
  • Infections

Surgical Intervention:

  • Severe or deep ulcers may require conjunctival grafts or corneal transplants to promote healing and prevent rupture.

Learn more about corneal ulcers

2. Eyelid Abnormalities: Entropion & Ectropion

  • Entropion: Eyelids roll inward, causing lashes to rub the eye.
  • Ectropion: Eyelids roll outward, leaving the eye exposed.

These conditions cause chronic irritation, infections, and in severe cases, corneal ulcers.

Surgical Fix:
 Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) corrects the eyelid’s position, reducing pain and preventing further damage.

More on entropion surgery from CSU

3. Lens Luxation: Displacement of the Eye’s Lens

Lens luxation occurs when the lens detaches from its normal position, often due to trauma or genetic predisposition.

Signs:

  • Cloudy eye
  • Bulging or asymmetric eyes
  • Vision loss or disorientation

Surgical Options:
 In cases of complete luxation or secondary glaucoma, lens extraction surgery is usually necessary.

Read more on lens luxation

4. Eye Tumors: When Masses Affect Vision or Comfort

Tumors can form on the eyelids, within the orbit, or inside the eye itself. Some are benign, but others may be malignant and require immediate removal.

Surgical Options:

  • Tumor excision
  • Eyelid reconstruction
  • Enucleation (eye removal) if malignancy or severe pain is present

Explore ocular tumor treatment options

5. Cherry Eye: Prolapse of the Third Eyelid Gland

Cherry eye is a condition where the gland of the third eyelid prolapses and appears as a red, swollen mass in the inner corner of the eye.

Signs:

  • Rounded, red swelling in the corner of the eye
  • Increased tearing or discharge
  • Squinting or rubbing at the face

Why It Needs Surgery:
 While not painful at first, untreated cherry eye can lead to chronic irritation, infections, or dry eye if the gland loses function. Surgical repositioning of the gland is the standard of care—removal is avoided whenever possible to preserve tear production.

More about cherry eye from Hill’s Pet

How to Know If Eye Surgery Is Needed

Eye surgery may be recommended if:

  • Medical management has failed to resolve an issue
  • Your pet is experiencing chronic discomfort or vision loss
  • There’s a risk of rupture, glaucoma, or cancer progression
  • An eyelid or gland condition is obstructing or irritating the eye

Learn more about ocular emergencies in pets

Types of Eye Surgeries Possibly Offered

Corneal Procedures

  • Conjunctival grafts for deep ulcers
  • Corneal transplants for structural repair

Eyelid Surgery

  • Blepharoplasty for entropion/ectropion
  • Eyelid tumor removal

Lens Removal

  • Phacoemulsification (cataract surgery with artificial lens)
  • Lens extraction in luxation or glaucoma

Cherry Eye Repair

  • Gland repositioning (pocket technique)
  • Gland preservation to prevent dry eye

Enucleation (Eye Removal)

  • Recommended for irreversible pain, trauma, or tumors
  • Most pets adapt very well with one eye

Recovery After Eye Surgery: What to Expect

Post-op care includes:

  • E-collar use and cage rest to prevent self-trauma
  • Eye drops and/or oral medications
  • Check-ups to monitor healing

Watch for signs of complications:

  • Excessive swelling or discharge
  • Behavioral changes
  • Squinting or pawing at the face

Preventing Eye Issues in Pets

While some conditions are genetic, many eye injuries are preventable:

  • Keep hair trimmed around the eyes
  • Avoid letting dogs ride with heads out the car window
  • Use protective dog eyewear for working or athletic dogs
  • Schedule routine eye exams, especially for brachycephalic or senior pets

Explore hereditary eye health screening from BVA

Trust Alpine Animal Hospital for Expert Eye Care

At Alpine Animal Hospital, we understand how distressing eye problems can be—for both you and your pet. Our experienced team offers advanced diagnostics, surgical options, and post-op support to ensure the best outcomes.

Not every eye condition requires surgery—but when it does, acting quickly can preserve vision and prevent pain.

Ready to help your pet see clearly again?
Schedule an Appointment Today