Yes, cataract surgery is available for dogs and is performed routinely by veterinary ophthalmologists. The procedure uses the same core technique as human cataract surgery, called phacoemulsification, where ultrasound waves break up the clouded lens so it can be removed and replaced with an artificial one. Long-term success rates for uncomplicated cases range from 85 to 90%, defined as a dog that can see and has normal eye pressure for at least a year after surgery.
How the Surgery Works
During phacoemulsification, the surgeon makes a small incision in the eye, inserts a tiny probe that vibrates at ultrasonic frequencies to fragment the clouded lens, and suctions out the pieces. In most cases, an artificial intraocular lens is then placed inside the eye. Dogs that don’t receive an artificial lens can still see after surgery, but their vision is farsighted since the eye no longer has a structure to focus light sharply. The procedure is done under general anesthesia and typically takes under an hour per eye.
Tests Your Dog Needs First
Not every dog with cataracts is a good candidate for surgery. A veterinary ophthalmologist will run specific tests to check whether the eye is healthy enough to benefit from the procedure.
The most important is an electroretinogram (ERG), which measures the electrical activity of the retina. Because a mature cataract blocks the vet’s view of the back of the eye, the ERG is the only way to confirm the retina still works properly. If the retina is damaged, removing the cataract won’t restore sight. This test evaluates how well both the dim-light and bright-light receptors in the retina are functioning, and it’s typically performed within a week before surgery.
An ocular ultrasound is also standard. It lets the ophthalmologist check for retinal detachment or other structural problems hidden behind the opaque lens. Your dog will also need bloodwork and a general health exam to make sure they’re a safe candidate for anesthesia.
What It Costs
The national average cost per eye is around $3,782, with a typical range of $2,995 to $6,845. That price generally includes the pre-surgical workup, anesthesia, the surgery itself, the artificial lens, and initial follow-up visits. Many dogs develop cataracts in both eyes, so bilateral surgery can double the total. Some veterinary ophthalmology practices offer payment plans, and pet financing services like CareCredit are widely accepted.
Recovery and Aftercare
The post-operative period is intensive and requires real commitment. A typical plan involves medicated eye drops four times daily for the first four weeks, then three times daily for the next four weeks, tapering down gradually from there. Oral anti-inflammatory medication is usually prescribed for about four weeks as well. Your dog will wear an Elizabethan collar (cone) to prevent rubbing or scratching at the eye.
For the first one to two weeks, you’ll need to keep your dog calm. That means no rough play, no running, and gentle leash walks only. Most dogs show noticeable improvement in vision within the first few days, but full healing takes several months. Follow-up exams are scheduled frequently in the early weeks, then spaced out over the following year.
Possible Complications
The most common post-operative complications are prolonged inflammation inside the eye and glaucoma, a condition where pressure builds up and can cause pain or vision loss. Other risks include corneal ulcers, infection, and retinal detachment. Most of these complications are manageable when caught early, which is why the follow-up schedule matters. The eye drop regimen exists largely to control inflammation and reduce the chance of these problems developing.
Complications are more likely in dogs that already had significant inflammation (uveitis) before surgery. For those dogs, the chance of a pain-free, sighted outcome at six months drops to about 50%, compared to roughly 95% for dogs whose eyes were not inflamed before the procedure. This is one reason ophthalmologists recommend not waiting too long once cataracts are diagnosed, since mature cataracts can trigger chronic inflammation on their own.
Diabetic Dogs and Cataracts
Diabetes is one of the most common causes of cataracts in dogs, and the cataracts often develop rapidly, sometimes over just days or weeks. Diabetic dogs can absolutely have cataract surgery, but timing is critical. The faster a cataract matures, the more inflammation it tends to cause, and that inflammation is exactly what lowers surgical success rates. Getting a diabetic dog evaluated by an ophthalmologist soon after cataract formation gives the best odds.
Your dog’s blood sugar also needs to be reasonably well controlled before surgery. Poorly regulated diabetes increases anesthesia risk and can slow healing. If your dog was recently diagnosed, your regular vet and the ophthalmologist will coordinate to stabilize glucose levels first.
When Surgery Isn’t an Option
Some dogs aren’t candidates for cataract surgery. A damaged retina, advanced glaucoma, or severe lens-induced inflammation can all rule it out. Age alone isn’t necessarily a disqualifier, but the anesthesia risk increases for very old dogs or those with significant heart, kidney, or liver disease. Dogs with temperaments that make the intensive aftercare impractical (daily eye drops for months, wearing a cone, staying calm) may also be poor candidates.
If surgery isn’t possible, the cataracts themselves aren’t painful, though the inflammation they cause can be. Your vet may prescribe anti-inflammatory eye drops to keep the eye comfortable even without surgery. Most dogs adapt well to reduced vision or blindness, relying more heavily on smell, hearing, and spatial memory to navigate familiar environments.