• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Dr. Buzby's ToeGrips for Dogs

Help for your slipping dog

  • What Are Toegrips?
  • Dr. Buzby’s Blog
    • Vet Blog Team
  • SHOP NOW
  • Show Search
Hide Search
SHOP NOW

Nuclear Sclerosis in Dogs: Could Your Dog Wear Reading Glasses?

Dr. Julie Buzby August 12, 2024 2 Comments

Share
Tweet
Pin2
2 Shares

Nuclear sclerosis in dogs can look a bit concerning until you know what is going on. Thankfully, this age-related discoloration of the lens of the eye doesn’t significantly affect your dog’s ability to see. Integrative veterinarian Dr. Julie Buzby explains this condition, and also compares it to cataracts in dogs—the eye condition dog parents most often confuse with nuclear sclerosis.

Dog wearing glasses

Picture a set of reading glasses perching on your senior dog’s muzzle. Pretty adorable, right?

Thankfully, dogs don’t need to use their close-up vision for reading, so they don’t need reading glasses like some humans. But dogs do undergo age-related changes in their eyes, the most common of which is called nuclear sclerosis. Also known as lenticular sclerosis, this condition causes discoloration of the center of the eye. To understand the causes, symptoms, and treatment, let’s first look at the anatomy of the eye.

The anatomy of the eye

As light enters the eye, it passes through the clear portion of the front of the eye, known as the cornea. The light then passes through the pupil. The pupil is the opening in the iris (i.e. colored portion of the eye). It can dilate or constrict to regulate how much light gets through.

Next, the light travels to the lens. This part of the eye is responsible for focusing the beam of light. To do this, the hard, disc-like lens changes shape in a process called accommodation.

The light then travels to the retina, where photoreceptors transform it into a nerve signal. This signal travels down the optic nerve to the brain where it is perceived as an image.

What is nuclear sclerosis in dogs?

Nuclear sclerosis describes age-related hardening of the lens of a dog’s eye. As a result of these changes, a small, round, pearly grey-colored opacity forms in the center of the lens. You may also notice a blue or grey haziness when looking into your dog’s eyes. Sometimes, this is easier to observe when looking at an affected eye from the side.

Senior Golden Retriever with blue tinted eyes which is often the case with nuclear sclerosis in dogs (also called lenticular sclerosis)
A blue or grey tint is often seen when looking into your dog’s eyes if they have nuclear sclerosis.

What causes nuclear sclerosis in dogs?

The eye’s lens is made up of layers of fibers that are constantly replenishing. As new lens fibers develop, the older fibers in the center (i.e. nucleus) of the lens can become compressed. This makes the nucleus more dense.

The name “nuclear sclerosis” describes this process well. Sclerosis refers to abnormal hardening of a tissue, which in this case is the nucleus of the lens. As the lens becomes more dense, it loses some of its clarity, and we can see some cloudiness when looking at affected eye(s).

Which dogs are most commonly affected?

Nuclear sclerosis generally occurs in middle aged or older dogs—typically those over seven years of age. It doesn’t seem to be more common in any particular breeds. However, increased exposure to UV radiation (sunlight) may make nuclear sclerosis occur more rapidly.

How is nuclear sclerosis in dogs diagnosed?

Nuclear sclerosis can be diagnosed with a simple eye exam as part of your dog’s routine physical exam. When the veterinarian examines your dog’s eyes, he or she will use a light to visualize the lens and see if the light appears to be passing through the lens and to the back of the eye. This can help distinguish between nuclear sclerosis and cataracts, a different kind of opacity of the lens.

Vet performing an eye exam on a Frenchie dog to look for signs of nuclear sclerosis
An ophthalmic exam, performed by your veterinarian, can help diagnose nuclear sclerosis.

If the lens has a grey or milky color in the center and is clear around the edges with no areas of complete opacity, this fits with nuclear sclerosis. Additionally, the vet will look for a yellow-green glow created by light reflecting off a structure in the back of the dog’s eye called the tapetum.

The tapetum is responsible for the green glow of an animal’s eyes when light hits them in the dark. If the vet sees a tapetal reflection, he or she knows light is getting through the lens and to the back of the eye.

Does nuclear sclerosis cause blindness in dogs?

Even though there is an observable change to the lens, nuclear sclerosis does not significantly affect vision. Most dogs are able to see just fine. Occasionally, some dog parents describe seeing signs of far-sightedness, almost as if their dog needs reading glasses. Affected dogs may also struggle with depth perception. This may make it harder for them to navigate stairs or catch a treat flying through the air.

What is the treatment for nuclear sclerosis in dogs?

Dogs with nuclear sclerosis do not require any treatment. There are no specific medications or supplements that will reverse the changes you are seeing. It is a normal part of the aging process. The good news is that nuclear sclerosis in dogs does not lead to any other eye diseases or significantly affect your pet’s vision.

Older yellow Labrador Retriever dog on a leash walking down a dirt road
Your dog’s vision should not be significantly altered with nuclear sclerosis.

Now that we have discussed this condition, let’s briefly contrast nuclear sclerosis with cataracts in dogs. These two eye conditions can be hard to distinguish at a glance. When I diagnose a dog with nuclear sclerosis, my clients are often understandably relieved. Many of them saw the hazy lens and understandably assumed that their dog had a cataract.

Nuclear sclerosis vs cataracts in dogs

Both of these conditions affect the lens. But there are some factors that help differentiate between nuclear sclerosis and cataracts. A few of the key differences are summarized in the table below.

Nuclear Sclerosis in DogsCataracts in Dogs
Age at diagnosisMiddle-aged to olderOften older, but can happen at any age
Color of opacityGreyWhite
Placement within the lensCenter only Often starts in center, may progress to entire lens
Vision changesPossible mild far-sightedness or depth perception changesPartial-to-complete vision loss
Normal with agingYesNo

Cataracts are caused by degeneration of the lens, and can significantly affect a dog’s vision. Some dogs with cataracts will become blind because light can’t get through the opaque lens to the retina.

Unlike nuclear sclerosis, cataracts can also cause other eye health issues such as uveitis in dogs (i.e. inflammation of the iris and other structures) and glaucoma in dogs (i.e. increased pressure in the eye).

What causes cataracts in dogs?

Cataracts have a variety of causes including:

  • Genetics
  • Endocrine disease like diabetes mellitus
  • Toxins
  • Nutritional deficiencies
  • Trauma to the eye
Chihuahua getting eye drops put in eye
Dogs with cataracts can develop secondary inflammation that may require eye drop therapy.

How are cataracts treated?

Dogs who are mostly or completely blind due to cataracts but have a normally functioning retina may benefit greatly from cataract surgery. A veterinarian who has been board certified by the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmology will perform the procedure while your dog is under general anesthesia.

During cataract surgery, the veterinary ophthalmologist will break up and then remove the diseased lens in a process known as phacoemulsification. Then he or she will implant an artificial lens to restore your dog’s vision.

Unfortunately, there are no other effective treatment options for cataracts. The good news, though, is that cataract surgery can greatly improve a dog’s quality of life. Dog parents often report that their dog is joyfully running around like a puppy again after the surgery.

Understandably, dog parents may wonder, “Is my dog too old for anesthesia?” or “Is my dog too old for surgery?” Thus, it is always a good idea to discuss the pros and cons of surgery with your veterinarian and veterinary ophthalmologist.

For a variety of reasons, cataract surgery may not be possible for every dog. The good news is, many blind dogs also live happy, fulfilled lives.

Older black Labrador Retriever dog being hugged by owner while on the steps to the house
Many dogs may go blind due to cataracts, but they can still live happy lives!

One of the ways you can help your visually impaired pup is to use our signature product, Dr. Buzby’s ToeGrips® dog nail grips. The extra traction provided by ToeGrips helps dogs feel more confident and secure in their footing, even if they can’t see.

older dog dog wearing toe grips for secure footing
BUY TOEGRIPS NOW

Living with nuclear sclerosis

If you suspect something might be going on with your dog’s eyes, make an appointment with your veterinarian. Early detection of eye problems generally gives the best outcomes. If it turns out your dog has nuclear sclerosis—great! This is good news because it is a normal aging change and unlikely to have any major effects on your dog’s vision.

senior golden retriever and title: for everything you're wondering about your senior dog

Does your dog have nuclear sclerosis?

Please comment below. We can all learn from each other.

Filed Under: Our Blog: The Buzby Bark

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Stanley B Miller says

    December 29, 2022 at 9:42 pm

    My GSD has Nuclear sclerosis in both eyes and I was told, this was caused by the poultry products I’ve been giving. I was told to stop giving her any items with poultry and this will help clear most of the Nuclear sclerosis in about 9 months.
    I’m curious, what food items do other folks give their dogs that also have this?
    Thanks.
    Sm

    Reply
    • Julie Buzby DVM says

      January 10, 2023 at 1:57 pm

      Hi Stanley,
      I have never heard of poultry products causing nuclear sclerosis. I did a fair amount of research and did not find any references to this in any of the articles or publications I came across. As far as I know, this condition is not affected by diet changes. If you decide to avoid the poultry products for your pup, I would be curious to know the results! Feel free to leave an update if you have a chance.

      Reply

We welcome your comments and questions about senior dog care.

However, if you need medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, please contact your local veterinarian.

Cancel reply

We welcome your comments and questions about senior dog care.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

NEW From Dr. Buzby


NEW! Introducing Dr. Buzby’s Brain Boost™ organic MCT oil for senior dogs. Discover a boost of natural energy for a healthier brain and a happier dog.

BUY BRAIN BOOST™

OUR BEST SELLER

Shop Now

BEST SELLER! Dr. Buzby’s ToeGrips®—instant traction for senior and special needs dogs who struggle to walk on slippery floors. Help your senior dog enjoy more good days.

BUY TOEGRIPS®

About Dr. Buzby

Dr. Buzby with a golden retrieverDr. Julie Buzby has been an integrative veterinarian for twenty years and has earned certification by the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association in 1998, and by the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society in 2002.
READ MORE

Looking For Something?

Featured Blog Posts

Types of Melanoma in Dogs—Ocular, Oral, and Cutaneous

Pancreatitis in Dogs: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

How to Crate Train an Older Dog (Plus 5 Crate Training FAQs)

MORE BLOG POSTS

Connect With Us

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Podcast

The Buzby Dog Podcast

LISTEN

Important Note

Dr. Buzby’s Blog offers tips on how to give your dog the happiest life possible. The content is presented solely for informational purposes and may not be relied upon to replace face-to-face medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment by professional pet healthcare providers. [more]

Get Your Free Senior Dog Health Guide!

Be the first to know about the latest senior dog health care tips from Dr. Buzby, exclusive savings, & early access to new offers.

Plus get your free ultimate dog health guide.

Unsubscribe At Any Time

Get Your Free Senior Dog Health Guide!

Be the first to know about the latest senior dog health care tips from Dr. Buzby, exclusive savings, & early access to new offers.

Plus get your free ultimate dog health guide.

Unsubscribe At Any Time
Silhouette of a girl holding a yellow umbrella over a dog while sitting on a bench and title Dr. Buzby's and phrase Helping people. Helping dogs.
  • ToeGrips FAQ
  • Brain Boost™ FAQ
  • Instructions
  • Retailers
  • Wholesale
  • Vet Blog Team
  • Guarantee
  • Reviews
  • About
  • Vet Blog Team
  • Affiliate Program
ToeGrips_USA

NEED HELP? Contact Us!
[email protected]
Text: (843) 781-6430

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Privacy Policy   |   Return Policy   |   Shipping Terms
© 2021 Dr. Buzbys ToeGrips. All Rights Reserved.