All ophthalmic surgeries are performed at the main surgery center in Little Falls, NJ. This facility houses state of the art anesthetic and surgical equipment. We were the first veterinary hospital in the world using the Whitestar elite phacoemulsification unit for cataract removal.
Lens surgery
- Cataract removal by phacoemulsification with foldable intraocular lens implantation
- Lens luxation surgery
Glaucoma surgery
- Laser surgery with anterior chamber shunt/filtering procedures
- Cryosurgery
- Pharmacological ciliary body ablation
Eyelid surgery
- Entropion/ectropion
- Distichia removal
- En bloc tumor removal or cryosurgical removal of tumors
- Ectopic cilia removal
- Reconstructive blepharoplasty
Corneal surgery (Corneal and conjunctival grafts)
- Corneal and conjunctival grafts
- Superficial keratectomy
- Grid keratotomy
- Placement of corneal adhesive
Cherry Eye Surgery
Repair of prolapsed glands of the third eyelid
When the tear gland of the third eyelid pops out of position, it protrudes from behind the eyelid as a reddish mass. This prolapsed tear gland condition is commonly referred to as “cherry eye”. The problem is seen primarily in young dogs, including the Cocker Spaniel, Lhasa Apso, Shih-Tzu, Poodle, and Bulldog.
Despite its appearance, cherry eye itself is not a painful condition. However, the longer the tear gland is exposed, the more likely it will come irritated and inflamed. If your pet rubs at the eye, it could cause the gland to bleed or become infected. Furthermore, the function of the tear gland could become compromised if the gland is exposed for long periods of time.
To correct cherry eye, surgical REPLACEMENT of the gland is necessary. This treatment is superior to a somewhat older technique of surgically REMOVING the gland. The gland of the third eyelid plays an important role in maintaining normal tear production. We now know that dogs who have had the tear gland removed are predisposed to developing Dry Eye Syndrome later in life. Dry Eye Syndrome is uncomfortable for the patient and requires the owner to administer topical medications several times a day for the remainder of the patient’s life. To avoid this condition, it is preferable to tuck the tear gland back inside the third eyelid, where it can continue to function normally.
The procedure the doctor uses to correct cherry eye is called a “pocket technique”. Although the gland cannot be put back into its original position in the third eyelid, a new pocket is made near the original position. The tear gland is tucked inside the pocket and the pocket is sutured closed. This method has been very successful compared to older methods of replacing the gland; i.e., the gland does not usually pop out again after surgery. Many patients will have the “normal” eye prophylactically “tacked” when the other eye is repaired with surgery to help prevent a cherry eye in the remaining eye.
Other Common Surgeries
- Parotid duct transposition
- Laser retinopexy surgery
- Laser intraocular tumor removal
- Laser surgery for epibulbar melanoma
- Laser surgery for iris cysts
- Orbital surgery
- Cosmetic intraocular prosthesis placement
- Eye removal
- Orbital prosthesis placement
Should You Wait to Schedule Surgery?
Since general anesthesia is required for surgery and if your pet is very young, the doctor has suggested waiting until your pet matures to see if the other eye will also get the problem. This way, both eyes can be surgically corrected with only one anesthetic experience. However, please let us know if you see any signs of irritation in the affected eye (redness, squinting, discharge, rubbing, bleeding) during this waiting period. We may also recommend a prophylactic “tack” of the normal eye if there is a risk of this condition while your pet is under anesthesia.
