A routine eye exam is essential to ocular health as well as an indicator for systemic disease.

Kittens, middle-aged cats, and geriatrics are all susceptible to ophthalmic disease, though some diseases are more common at one specific age or another.  A detailed ophthalmic examination can help to detect many diseases including certain types of cancer, hypertension, systemic infection, diabetes, as well many primary ophthalmic disease including cataract formation, retinal dysfunction and glaucoma.

 

Many of these conditions are manageable but can lead to blindness and/or eye removal if neglected. 

Early diagnosis and management is essential to maintain vision and health.  Most owners are not aware that their cat has an ocular problem until it is severe.  It is all too common for cats’ eyes to be unintentionally neglected until advanced disease is present.

Veterinary ophthalmology is a rare specialty with only a handful of hospitals in Michigan offering detailed examination and ophthalmic surgery.  Dr. Klomp has several years of experience as an associate at an ophthalmology specialty referral hospital and has extensive training in ophthalmology and ophthalmic surgery.  He attends the national ACVO conference (American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists) in addition to several other continuing education conferences and events.  He has served as a reference for other “primary care” veterinarians by providing consultations and referral services during this time.  He can provide a detailed exam to evaluate all parts of your cat’s eyes and ophthalmic procedures or surgery if necessary.

Ophthalmic surgeries performed at our hospital include:

• Eyelid surgery (eyelid reconstruction due to trauma or eyelid agenesis, tumor removal, entropion correction, etc)
• Corneal surgery (keratectomy, corneal-conjunctival graft placement, laceration repair, etc)
• Enucleation or Exenteration (eye removal for end-stage disease or  cancer)
• Miscellaneous surgeries and procedures on an individual-basis

This kitty had her eye removed following chronic damage to the inside of her eye and then a severe injury to her cornea.  An implant was not placed under the skin, therefore there is a slight “concave” appearance over her orbit.  She is a happy and health cat and continues to navigate normally despite her injury.