What to expect during an eye exam.
When you bring your dog, cat or other small animal for an ophthalmology appointment with Dr. Zimmer, you’re choosing a specialized, comprehensive examination for your pet’s eye health. She has advanced training and uses specialized equipment to diagnose and treat a variety of eye conditions in pets, going beyond the scope of general veterinary care. By understanding what to expect, you’ll be well-prepared to help your pet get the best possible care for their eye health.
Preparation Before the Exam
Medical History and Background
Before your appointment, be prepared to provide information on your pet’s medical history. This includes any previous eye issues, surgeries, or ongoing conditions like allergies or infections. We will request the records from your primary veterinarian to ensure that no details are missed.
Additionally, make a note of any recent symptoms you’ve observed, such as squinting, tearing, cloudiness in the eyes, or changes in behavior (like bumping into things or hesitating to go outside). Photos or videos of your pet when they were experiencing an eye problem at home can be very helpful for us to see when they are in the office.
Arrival and Setup
The exam will take place at the clinic in a clean, quiet exam room. It is helpful to keep your pet calm during the initial check-in. If your pet is nervous or anxious, feel free to bring their favorite blanket or toy to provide comfort.
Restraint and Assistance
For safety and comfort, your pet will be gently restrained by a veterinary technician during the exam. Some pets may be more comfortable with a handler they know, so we may ask you to help with your pet during the appointment. If necessary, we may use a mild sedative to help your pet relax and make the exam smoother. If your pet is routinely given medication to help them relax prior to veterinary visits, please contact us before giving them to ensure they will not interfere with vision testing. Sedatives such as gabapentin and trazodone generally do not interfere with an eye exam. However, please let us know if they received any sedatives so that we can note it in the chart.
Food and Water
If any sedatives or anesthesia are required for the examination (such as for deeper testing), your veterinarian will advise you to withhold food or water for a certain amount of time prior to the visit. Otherwise, your pet can eat and drink normally.
If your pet has a surgery appointment with Dr. Zimmer, do NOT give food or water that morning unless directed otherwise. Even though your pet may ask for breakfast, it is for their own safety that they do not get it.
Equipment and Tools Used in the Exam
Dr. Zimmer will use specialized, portable equipment to thoroughly examine your pet’s eyes. These tools help ensure a detailed, accurate diagnosis:
- Slit Lamp Biomicroscope: This tool allows for a highly magnified view of the anterior segment of the eye, which includes the cornea, iris and lens.
- Fluorescein Staining: This dye is used to highlight any injuries to the cornea, such as ulcers, which can be hard to detect without staining.
- Tonometer: This instrument measures the intraocular pressure (IOP) to help diagnose glaucoma, a condition that can cause pain and permanent vision loss if untreated.
- Ophthalmoscope: An ophthalmoscope is used to examine the retina, optic nerve, and other internal structures of the eye, allowing Dr. Zimmer to diagnose conditions like retinal disease, uveitis, and other internal eye conditions.
- Photography: Digital photography aids in documenting your patient’s eyes to track disease processes. It is also helpful to show you lesions that were identified during the exam.
Examination Steps
- External Examination: The exam will begin with a careful examination of the eyelids, cornea, conjunctiva (the membrane covering the eyes), and other external structures for signs of infection, swelling, discharge, or abnormalities.
- Eye Reflex Testing: Dr. Zimmer will test your pet’s response to light, checking for the pupillary light reflex and other signs that indicate proper function of the visual pathways and optic nerves.
- Internal Eye Examination: Using the slit lamp and ophthalmoscope, Dr. Zimmer will examine the internal structures of your pet’s eyes, including the retina, lens, and optic nerve, to check for conditions like retinal degeneration, cataracts, and uveitis.
- Pressure Testing: Dr. Zimmer will use the tonometer to measure your pet’s intraocular pressure. High pressure can indicate glaucoma.
- Fluorescein Staining: Fluorescein dye will be used to check for ulcers or scratches on the surface of the eye. This test is quick and painless for your pet.
- Tear Testing: This test wicks up the moisture in your pets eye for 60 seconds to give a measurement of tears produced over that time. This test evaluates for tear film deficiency.
Diagnosis and Discussion of Findings
After the examination, we will discuss with you:
- Diagnosis: What condition(s) were identified, and how severe they are.
- Possible Causes: Whether the condition is genetic, caused by injury, infection, or another underlying health issue.
- Treatment: What are the treatment options and what best fits your household.
- Prognosis: The potential outcome of the condition and whether your pet’s vision is at risk.
Dr. Zimmer will explain any medical terms or complex diagnoses in simple, clear language, and you’ll have an opportunity to ask questions.
Treatment and Recommendations
If treatment is needed, Dr. Zimmer will outline a clear, personalized treatment plan. This will include:
Discharge Summary
You will receive a detailed discharge summary, which includes the exam findings, diagnosis, treatment recommendations, and any follow-up care instructions. This will be emailed to both you and your primary veterinarian within 24 hours of the visit.
Treatment Plan
If your pet requires medication or a procedure, Dr. Zimmer will recommend specific treatments, which may include:
- Topical Medications: Eye drops or ointments for infections, inflammation, or dry eye.
- Oral Medications: In some cases, oral antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, or pain relief medications may be prescribed.
- Testing Recommendations: If more testing is recommended and how those results could impact your pet.
- Surgical Intervention: If needed, Dr. Zimmer may recommend surgery, such as cataract removal, “cherry eye” repair or eyelid surgery.
Medication Instructions
Dr. Zimmer will provide instructions on how to administer any medications. Many eye conditions require frequent application of eye drops or ointments, so it’s important to follow these instructions carefully for the best results.
Follow-Up Care
For some conditions, follow-up visits may be required to monitor your pet’s progress. Dr. Zimmer will let you know if and when you should schedule a return visit, as well as any warning signs to watch for at home that may require prompt attention.
Any pending laboratory results will be relayed to you as soon as they return to our office.
Tips for a Smooth Exam
To help ensure a successful and stress-free ophthalmology appointment, here are a few tips:
- Keep Your Pet Calm: If your pet is anxious, try to keep them relaxed by bringing along a familiar blanket, toy, or something they find comforting. Let your pet’s handler (if applicable) stay nearby to provide reassurance.
- Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask us about anything you don’t understand. Whether it’s the diagnosis, treatment options, or any unfamiliar terms, we are here to help you feel confident in the care your pet is receiving.
- Prepare for Follow-Up Visits: Some eye conditions require monitoring, so ask about when your pet should be seen again and what signs you should watch for at home in between visits.
You know your pet better than anyone, and you play a crucial role in their treatment plan. If you have any concerns about providing care at home (such as giving medication, maintaining a specific diet or monitoring your pet’s symptoms), let us know – we’re here for you.