Cataracts in Dogs: Symptoms, Treatment & Cost

By the Pawlee Team

Diagnosis cost

£100–£300

Treatment cost

£1500–£3000

Ongoing cost

£20–£50 per month

Severity

Moderate

Treatable

Yes

Species

Dogs

What is cataracts?

Cataracts occur when the lens inside a dog’s eye becomes cloudy or opaque, blocking light from reaching the retina. This leads to blurred vision and, if left untreated, can progress to complete blindness. Cataracts can develop at any age but are most common in older dogs and certain breeds with a genetic predisposition. Diabetes is another significant cause, with diabetic cataracts often progressing very rapidly.

Symptoms to watch for

See a vet soon

Cloudy, white, or bluish appearance in one or both eyes
Bumping into furniture or walls
Reluctance to jump or navigate stairs
Difficulty catching treats or finding toys
Hesitation in unfamiliar environments
Eyes appearing irritated or red

How is cataracts diagnosed?

Test	Typical cost
Consultation and ophthalmoscopic examination	£35–£65
Specialist ophthalmology examination	£100–£250
Ocular ultrasound	£100–£200

Treatment options and costs

Monitoring and medical management

£20–£50 per month ongoing

Anti-inflammatory eye drops to reduce inflammation and slow progression. Suitable for early-stage cataracts or dogs that aren’t candidates for surgery. Does not restore vision but can help prevent complications like lens-induced uveitis.

Phacoemulsification surgery (cataract removal)

£1,500–£3,000 per eye

The gold-standard treatment. The cloudy lens is broken up using ultrasound and removed, then replaced with an artificial lens. Performed by a veterinary ophthalmologist under general anaesthetic. Success rates are around 85–95% in suitable candidates.

Ongoing costs

Estimated ongoing management cost

£20–£50 per month

monthly

Breeds most at risk

Breed	Risk level
Cockapoo	High
Cavapoo	High
Labrador Retriever	High
Cocker Spaniel	High
Miniature Schnauzer	Moderate
Golden Retriever	Moderate

Does pet insurance cover cataracts?

Most lifetime pet insurance policies cover cataract surgery provided the condition develops after the policy start date and is not pre-existing. Cataract surgery is one of the more expensive eye procedures, so having adequate annual benefit limits is important. Some policies may require a specialist referral before covering the procedure. Always check your policy wording, as some insurers exclude hereditary eye conditions for certain breeds.

Related conditions

Diabetes Dogs Cherry Eye Dogs

Frequently asked questions

How much does cataract surgery cost for dogs in the UK?

Cataract surgery typically costs £1,500–£3,000 per eye in the UK. This includes the pre-operative assessment, general anaesthetic, the phacoemulsification procedure, an artificial lens implant, and post-operative medication. If both eyes need treatment, the total cost can reach £4,000–£6,000. Follow-up appointments and ongoing eye drops add further costs.

Can cataracts in dogs be treated without surgery?

There is no medication that can reverse cataracts once they’ve formed. Eye drops can help manage inflammation and slow complications, but surgery is the only way to restore vision. Some dogs adapt well to reduced vision, especially if the cataracts develop slowly, so not every case requires surgery.

Are cataracts linked to diabetes in dogs?

Yes, diabetes is one of the most common causes of cataracts in dogs. Diabetic cataracts can develop extremely quickly – sometimes within days or weeks of diagnosis. Around 80% of diabetic dogs will develop cataracts within 16 months. Managing blood sugar levels well can slow progression, but many diabetic dogs still need cataract surgery.

At what age do dogs typically develop cataracts?

It varies by cause. Hereditary cataracts can appear as early as 1–3 years of age in predisposed breeds. Age-related cataracts usually develop from around 8 years onwards. Diabetic cataracts can occur at any age once diabetes develops. Some puppies are even born with congenital cataracts, though this is uncommon.