Lens Luxation

What is Lens Luxation?
The lens of the eye is normally held in place just behind the iris, so light passing through the pupil next passes through the center of the lens. If the lens is dislodged from its normal position it is said to be luxated.

How does my dog get Lens Luxation?
The lens is held in place by many tiny fibers called zonular ligaments. This is the part that expands and contracts so that the lens can focus. In some dogs these fibers are abnormally weak, so that they eventually break. In others, the fibers are broken as a result of trauma to the eye. 

How do I know if my dog has Lens Luxation?
Suspect lens luxation if one of your dog's pupils is suddenly no longer round, if it appears to have something protruding from it, if the iris (colored part) seems to spasm or tremble, if parts of the front of the eye seem swollen, or if the eye is painful. This is especially true if your dog has had head trauma, glaucoma, or if he's a middle aged dog of a terrier or other susceptible breed. Your veterinarian will use an ophthalmoscope to examine the inside of your dog's eye. If the eye is too cloudy, ultrasound may be used. You may be referred to a veterinary ophthalmologist.

What can I do about Lens Luxation?
Treatment depends on how out of position the lens is and if the eye can still see. Your veterinarian will probably put special eye drops  in your dog's affected eye to either make the pupil larger (if the lens is already protruding through it) or smaller (if the lens is not protruding through it). Other eye drops to reduce inflammation, and medication to reduce intraocular pressure, will probably also be given. You may then be referred to a veterinary ophthalmologist for surgery. Depending on the lens position, if  allowed to remain, it can cause irritation and even glaucoma, so it must be surgically removed. An artificial lens may be implanted to improve your dog's vision afterword. If  the eye is blind, removal of the eye may be the best choice.

Is there anything I can do to prevent my dog from getting Lens Luxation?
There's not much you can do to prevent it, except to treat eye problems promptly.

Are there certain breeds that get Lens Luxation more often?
Terriers and their mixes, as well as Tibetan Terriers, Border Collies, and German Shepherds are predisposed.