Cataracts and your diabetic dog

In this article, we’ll explain why diabetic dogs are especially prone to cataracts, how they form, what treatment options exist, and what daily life looks like after diagnosis — with insights from our own experience with our Border Terrier, Parker.

Why Cataracts Happen in Diabetic Dogs

People with diabetes are more likely to develop cataracts, but in dogs the risk is even higher — and the condition often progresses faster. That’s because a dog’s eyes naturally produce higher levels of the enzyme activity that triggers cataract formation.

When blood sugar levels run high, excess sugar makes its way into the lenses of the eyes. There, it’s converted into another sugar called sorbitol. Sorbitol can’t easily leave the lens, so it builds up, pulling in water and causing the lens to swell. This swelling disrupts the structure of the lens, turning it cloudy. That cloudiness is the cataract.

A cataract is more than just a cosmetic change

It scatters light entering the eye, making vision blurry — as if your dog is suddenly looking at the world through frosted glass. In some cases, the cloudiness can progress to full blindness.

It can happen surprisingly quickly

While cataracts in people may take years to develop, in diabetic dogs they sometimes appear within weeks or months of diagnosis.

In Parker’s case, his cataracts developed several months after his diabetes diagnosis. During the early days we struggled to stabilize his blood glucose, and that persistent high blood sugar ultimately led to cataracts in both eyes.

Treating Cataracts in Dogs

Right now, the only treatment for cataracts is surgery. This procedure is performed by a veterinary eye specialist (a canine ophthalmologist). The cloudy lens is removed, and in some cases replaced with an artificial lens to restore clearer vision.

Cataract surgery can be life-changing, but it’s also a serious commitment. Like most canine surgeries these days, it will set you back several thousand dollars, so it can be a tough decision to proceed.

It involves pre-surgical screening, general anesthesia, post-surgery eye drops, and follow-up appointments. The success rate is generally high, but not every dog is a candidate. And diabetic dogs are always at risk when going for surgery.

Risks to think about

For diabetic dogs, there are extra considerations. They’re more prone to eye complications, including glaucoma (dangerously high eye pressure). For that reason, some specialists recommend against implanting artificial lenses, because they can increase the risk of pressure buildup behind the eye.

We chose not to have lenses implanted. As a result, his near vision is blurry — he sometimes struggles with stairs, or can’t quite spot a treat on the floor — but he still navigates his world confidently. Honestly, we’re more emotionally affected by his vision loss than he is.

Living with a dog after cataracts

If your dog develops cataracts, it’s natural to feel worried or overwhelmed. But know this: you’re not alone, and most diabetic dogs adapt incredibly well.

Here are a few ways to help at home:

• Make stairs safer: add non-slip treads, use baby gates, or guide your dog.
  
• Use scent and sound: toys that squeak or treats with strong smells are easier for them to find.
  
• Keep things predictable: avoid moving furniture, and keep food, water, and bedding in the same spots.
  
• Watch for complications: redness, pain, or sudden vision loss should be checked right away, as glaucoma can follow cataracts.
  

Cataract surgery is an option, but it isn’t the only path to a good life. Even without perfect vision, diabetic dogs can continue to enjoy walks, cuddles, and play. What matters most is that they feel comfortable, loved, and secure.

What we learned

Cataracts are one of the most common complications of canine diabetes, and they can feel like a heavy blow. But while they change how your dog sees the world, they don’t have to change the love, connection, and joy you share.

For us as pet parents, the focus is on comfort, dignity, and quality of life. Whether you pursue surgery or manage without it, your dog can still thrive with your care and compassion guiding the way.