What should I expect at my pet’s ophthalmology visit?

During your pet’s ophthalmology visit, they will receive a complete eye examination. This includes: green stain to check for corneal ulcers microscopic exam of the eyelids, conjunctiva, cornea, third eyelid, iris, lens, and vitreous retinal examination tear test to screen for dry eye pressure check for glaucoma

My dog’s eyes seem slightly blue / cloudy. Could it be cataracts?

You can schedule an eye exam to check, but if you haven’t noticed obvious vision impairment, it is more likely that this is just nuclear sclerosis. This condition is the normal, age-related hardening of the lenses that can lead to a hazy/slightly cloudy or blue appearance of the eyes. It is not a cataract, and it will not blind your pet. The only change to vision is that pets may become far-sighted and have difficulty finding objects near to the face, similar to when a human requires reading glasses at a certain age. All pets over the age of 7 have some degree of nuclear sclerosis. No treatment is required.

Can my blind pet live a happy life without vision?

Visually-impaired pets can still enjoy an excellent quality of life as long as they are not in pain. Thankfully, they do not have to read, drive, or go to work! They just need food, shelter, and love. As long as they have those, you'll find they gradually learn to adjust by using their other senses (smell, touch, hearing). Here are some tips for helping visually impaired pets adjust: don't allow them to be off-leash unsupervised indoors, baby gates by stairs can prevent falls/accidents different scented plug-ins in different areas of the house may help them learn the layout and feel oriented try not to frequently rearrange your furniture inside of the house a water-fountain style bowl that makes a noise may help them find their water bowl For more tips, "Living with Blind Dogs" written by Caroline Levin is a good resource and can be found online. Additionally, "Muffin's Halo for Blind Dogs" is a product that may prevent dogs from bumping into objects with their face, and can help them gain confidence navigating their environment.

My pet was diagnosed with glaucoma, but I see no signs of pain at home. Is he suffering?

People report feeling a migraine headache sensation from the high pressure in their eyes that comes with glaucoma. Dogs may not be obvious in showing this type of discomfort, so it’s important to have eye pressure monitored by a veterinary ophthalmologist. After pressure is alleviated, owners report noticing changes like improved activity and energy level, less time sleeping during the day, increased playfulness, and increased appetite.

Two women examine a dog's eyes at a veterinary clinic.

Ophthalmology

Name: Garden State Veterinary Specialists Eatontown
Address: 246 Industrial Way West, Eatontown, NJ, 07724, US
Telephone: 732-922-0011

At Garden State Veterinary Specialists Eatontown

With best-in-class medicine, advanced technology, and an expert team, we’re fully prepared to provide the complete, compassionate care your pet needs.

732-922-0011

Garden State Veterinary Specialists Eatontown

Group of six dogs of different breeds and sizes sitting together against a gray background.

You've come to the right place

Our team has the rigorous training and experience to guide your pet’s care from evaluation to recovery.

Specialized care when they need it most

Our board-certified ophthalmologist helps pets who experience:

painful eye conditions
impaired vision
eye injuries or trauma

Getting your pet on the path to wellness is our #1 goal.

With years of experience and a range of advanced procedures and treatment options, we'll focus on restoring your pet's quality of life and your peace of mind.

We're here for your pet and your family

Schedule a visit. We’re here to help.

We want you and your pet to have the best experience possible. If you need us to reach out to your primary care veterinarian for your records, we’re happy to do so.

732-922-0011

Two veterinarians examine a small dog using an ophthalmoscope.

Woman vet in a pink scrub top holding a white cat in a clinical setting.

Woman in a blue sweatshirt holds a small brown dog with a red collar in front of a row of dog kennels.

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Two veterinarians gently clean the eyes of a sitting black Labrador retriever in a clinical setting.

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Person in a blue uniform interacting with a small dog on an examination table.

Woman vet in a blue scrub top kisses a large brown dog in a purple harness.

Conditions

If your pet is experiencing any of these conditions, our board-certified specialists and team have the expertise to make a difference.

Cataracts
Cherry eye
Conjunctivitis
Corneal endothelial degeneration
Corneal foreign bodies
Corneal perforation (eye rupture)
Corneal ulcers - simple, indolent, and infected
Distichia
Dry eye
Ectopic cilia
Entropion
Euryblepharon
Eyelid tumors
Feline corneal sequestra
Feline diffuse iris melanoma
Feline eyelid agenesis
Feline herpesviral ulcers
Glaucoma
Horner's syndrome
Intraocular tumors
Lens luxation
Ocular dermoid cysts
Ocular melanosis
Pannus
Retinal degeneration (PRA and SARDs)
Retinal detachment
Third eyelid cartilage deformation - scrolled cartilage
Traumatic proptosis
Uveal cysts
Uveitis
Uveodermatologic syndrome (VKH-like)

Diagnostics

Comprehensive diagnostic testing allows us to gain a complete understanding of your pet’s condition.

Corneal cytology
Electroretinography
Fine needle aspiration cytology
Gonioscopy
Indirect ophthalmoscopy
Ocular biopsy
Ocular ultrasound
Schirmer Tear Test
Slit-lamp biomicroscopy
Tonometry (ocular pressure)

Treatments

Our approach to treatment prioritizes improving your pet’s quality of life through personalized, compassionate care.

Illustration of a woman with a dog wearing a bandana over her shoulder.

Ahmed valve gonioimplantation
Chemical cycloablation (CCA) injection for glaucoma
Conjunctival pedicle graft surgery
Corneal foreign body extraction
Corneal laceration repair
Cotton swab debridement of feline herpesviral ulcers
Cyclosporine implantation for dry eye
Dermoid cyst excision
Diamond burr debridement of canine indolent ulcers
Diode laser therapy for iris masses
Distichia cryoepilation
Ectopic cilia excision and cryotherapy
Enucleation (eye removal)
Epibulbar melanocytoma debulking and cryotherapy
Evisceration and intrascleral prosthesis
Eyelid mass excision
Hotz celsus entropion surgery
Intracapsular lens extraction (ICLE)
Keratectomy and corneoconjunctival transposition (CCT)
Keratectomy and Gundersen flap
Laser retinopexy
Laser transcleral cyclophotocoagulation (TSCP)
Lid shortening entropion surgery
Lip to lid transposition surgery for eyelid agenesis
Morgan pocket cherry eye repair
Parotid duct transposition (PDT) for dry eye
Phacoemulsification cataract surgery
Scrolled cartilage repair
Superficial keratectomy
Temporary tarsorrhaphy

Prepare for your visit

01Call us directly to schedule an appointment or register your pet before you arrive.
02We’ll gather your pet’s records and collaborate with your primary veterinarian.
03Note your pet's medications, food type, eating habits, and symptoms.

During your visit

01We’ll examine your pet and talk through any additional tests, if needed.
02We’ll go over your pet’s diagnosis in detail together and answer all of your questions.
03You’ll receive a full treatment plan and all the guidance you need before you leave.

Ongoing care

01Follow your pet’s treatment plan and monitor their progress and symptoms at home.
02You know your pet best. If anything seems amiss or you have any concerns, give us a call — we’re here for you 24 hours a day.
03Our team will continue to partner with your primary veterinarian as a part of your pet’s ongoing care.

Frequently asked questions

Understand more about your pet’s condition and treatment options

Fast track your visit

Save time by filling out our client registration form before your visit. (Not required.)

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GSVS family of hospitals

Garden State Veterinary Services Woodbridge

Ophthalmology

At Garden State Veterinary Specialists Eatontown

Garden State Veterinary Specialists Eatontown

Garden State Veterinary Specialists Eatontown

You've come to the right place

Expert oversight

Specialty care

On-site diagnostics

Always available

Specialized care when they need it most

Our board-certified ophthalmologist helps pets who experience:

Michele Edelmann, VMD, Diplomate ACVO