2025. Mar 11
What is lens luxation?
Lens luxation is the abnormal displacement of the lens in a dog's eye. It is most often genetic in origin and occurs mainly in terrier breeds. The condition can involve sudden pain, tearing and vision loss. Treatment is urgent and often requires surgery. With a timely diagnosis, vision can be partially or fully saved.
2025. March 11.
What is lens luxation?
Under normal circumstances, the lens is located behind the iris. When the lens moves out of this position, it is called lens luxation.
A distinction is made between primary and secondary lens luxation. In primary luxation, the attachment of the zonular fibers (suspensory fibers) to the lens is congenitally abnormal; over time the fibers rupture and the lens becomes displaced. In secondary luxation, another ophthalmic disease, e.g. uveitis or cataract, damages the fibers.
Where can the lens be displaced to?
The detached lens may move forward in the eye, in which case we speak of anterior lens luxation. This is usually very painful and, without appropriate treatment, rapidly leads to blindness.
An anteriorly luxated lens must either be surgically removed, or an attempt can be made to push it back behind the pupil.
Posterior luxation develops primarily in older animals; it is usually not painful and does not always cause loss of vision.
Hereditary lens luxation occurs primarily in terriers, but other affected breeds include, for example, the Shar-Pei.
Lens luxation requires prompt intervention.
2025. Mar 11