Veterinary Eye Surgery for Dogs and Cats
When an eye condition can’t be managed with medication alone, surgery is often the best way to relieve pain and save vision. At Animal Eye Clinic, board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist Dr. Robert M. Gwin performs a wide range of ophthalmic procedures using an operating microscope and precise microsurgical instruments at our Tulsa and Oklahoma City offices.
Request an AppointmentSurgical Procedures We Perform
- Phacoemulsification
- ERG/Ultrasound
- Intra Capsular Cataract Extraction
- Lens Luxation
- Enucleation
- Bandaged Lens/Temporary Tarsorrhaphy
- Prolapsed Gland (Cherry Eye)
- Conjunctival Flap
- Corneal Sequestrum
- Corneal Crosslinking
- Curvature of Cartilage
- Cyclocryo Surgery
- Deviated Globe
- Distichia
- Entropion
- Ectopic Cilia
- Full Thickness Resection
- Tumor Removal
- Intraocular Prosthesis
- Iris Bombe
- Keratectomy (Dermoid Removal)
- Medial Canthal Hair Removal
- Diamond Burr
- Nasolacrimal Flush
- Parotid Duct Transition
- Punctum Imperfecti
- Ciliary Body Ablation
- Symblepharon
- Tacking
- Upper Eyelid Agnesis
Advanced Microsurgery for Delicate Eye Tissue
Eye surgery demands meticulous technique. The structures of the eye are tiny and delicate, and many repairs use ophthalmic sutures finer than a human hair. Dr. Gwin’s decades of surgical experience allow him to perform procedures ranging from routine eyelid corrections to complex intraocular surgery.
Cataract and Lens Surgery
Phacoemulsification is the gold standard for cataract surgery in pets. The cloudy lens is broken up and removed through a small incision and replaced with a foldable intraocular lens. ERG and ultrasound testing are performed beforehand to confirm the retina is healthy. When a lens moves out of place, as with lens luxation, an intracapsular extraction removes the entire lens in one piece.
Eyelid and Third Eyelid Surgery
Eyelid procedures include entropion correction, full thickness resection of eyelid tumors, cryosurgery for distichia and ectopic cilia, and repositioning of a prolapsed third eyelid gland so it can continue producing tears.
Corneal Surgery
For deep corneal ulcers, corneal sequestrum, and corneal dystrophy, procedures such as keratectomy, conjunctival flap grafting, corneal crosslinking, diamond burr debridement, and bandage contact lenses with temporary tarsorrhaphy help the cornea heal and protect vision.
Glaucoma and Trauma Surgery
For glaucoma, cyclocryo surgery and ciliary body ablation reduce fluid production to lower eye pressure. When vision has been lost, enucleation or an intraocular prosthesis can provide lasting comfort. For ocular trauma and deviated globe, timely surgical repair can save the eye.
Anesthesia and Pain Management
We know general anesthesia is a major concern for pet owners. We use state-of-the-art anesthesia protocols and surgical monitoring with every procedure, and we make sure pets receive appropriate pain medication during and after surgery so they recover comfortably. Watch some of these procedures on our Surgery Videos page.
Veterinary Eye Surgery FAQs
Is eye surgery safe for my pet?
Every procedure is performed with modern anesthesia protocols, careful monitoring, and attentive pain management to keep your pet as safe and comfortable as possible.
Will my pet need to stay overnight?
Most eye surgeries, including cataract surgery, are outpatient procedures, and pets usually go home the same day.
How successful is cataract surgery in dogs?
The general success rate for cataract surgery in dogs is about 90 to 95 percent, especially when cataracts are removed before inflammation develops.
What testing is done before cataract surgery?
ERG and ocular ultrasound are performed to evaluate retinal function and position before surgery proceeds.
How many follow-up visits will my pet need?
It depends on the procedure. After cataract surgery, pets typically need three to five postoperative evaluations over about three months.
What happens if an eye can’t be saved?
If vision is lost and the eye is painful, enucleation or an intraocular prosthesis can relieve pain and provide long-term comfort.
How much does eye surgery cost?
Cost depends on your pet’s condition and procedure. An exact estimate can be given after Dr. Gwin examines your pet.
Schedule a Surgical Consultation
Call (918) 632-0508 (Tulsa) or (405) 751-3821 (Oklahoma City) to discuss eye surgery options for your pet with Dr. Gwin.