What Does It Mean If My Dog’s Eyes Are Cloudy?

Looking into a dog’s eyes feels good—that’s science. When you and your dog gaze into each other’s eyes, you both get a jolt of the “love hormone” oxytocin. But if your pal’s eyes look a little hazy or foggy, you might experience a different emotion: worry. Are those cloudy eyes a part of the normal aging process, or a cause for concern? Here’s what you need to know.

What are cloudy eyes?

If a dog has cloudy eyes, you’ll see a white or blue haze that appears either within the eye or over its surface. 

Are cloudy eyes an emergency?

According to Dr. Alex Schechter, veterinarian and founder of Burwood Veterinary in Michigan, cloudy eyes require an urgent vet visit if the cloudiness is accompanied by redness, squinting, discharge, pain, or sudden vision loss. Also take note of whether your dog’s eyes appear to be bulging, swelling, or bleeding. In any of those cases, get your dog to a vet immediately. Otherwise, you can address the cloudiness at your next routine visit. 

Here are five of the most common reasons for canine cloudy eyes:

Nuclear sclerosis

The simplest reason for cloudy eyes could be your dog’s age. “Nuclear sclerosis is a normal, benign [age-related] change that causes a bluish-gray haze, but does not affect vision significantly,” says Dr. Schechter. The condition can also be seen in humans as we age; the central part of the eye lens (the nucleus) becomes compressed as it grows—and the normal hardening of the lens over time causes the hazy look. As for what age is considered “normal” for this, most vets agree that it most commonly arises in dogs who are 8–10 years old—but it can also show up earlier in life. While nuclear sclerosis may impact a dog’s vision, it typically does not require treatment.

Cataracts

Just like humans, dogs can develop cataracts—opacity in the lens that blocks light from reaching the retina, which can lead to partial or complete vision loss if left untreated. Cataracts are often associated with diabetes, inflammation, or trauma, but can also happen as a result of genetics. 

As in humans, cataracts tend to affect older dogs more frequently. Treatment involves surgery to remove the affected lens and replace it with an artificial lens, which restores vision. It’s important to note that cataracts can be easily confused with nuclear sclerosis, because the signs present similarly—the best way to tell the difference is via a physical examination from your vet. Untreated cataracts can lead to another serious condition known as glaucoma.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is caused by a buildup of fluid that results in increased pressure within the eye. This then leads to pain and potential blindness if left untreated. Glaucoma can be difficult to diagnose in its early stages, when the signs are subtle—but as it progresses you’ll notice that, in addition to a cloudy appearance, your dog’s eyes have dilated, fixed or sluggish pupils. The pain associated with the illness can also affect a dog’s behavior. Your vet can test for eye pressure; if necessary, he or she may prescribe medication. More advanced cases may require surgery, for which you might consider asking your vet to refer you to a veterinary ophthalmologist. 

Uveitis

Inflammation inside the eye, known as uveitis, can be caused by infection, immune disorders, or trauma. It affects the uvea, which is the middle layer that includes the iris, ciliary body and choroid parts of the inner eye. Along with cloudiness, depending on the severity, uveitis can cause redness, discharge, squinting, and even a change in the shape of the iris or pupil. Your vet will likely order comprehensive diagnostic tests to determine the underlying cause, and may prescribe medication or a topical treatment for your dog’s eyes. Untreated uveitis can lead to blindness.

Cornea issues

There are several circumstances that can cause your dog’s corneas to appear cloudy, including ulcers caused by injury or infection; corneal scars that can look hazy and are the result of an old injury that has since healed; corneal dystrophy, an inherited condition caused by an abnormal buildup of fat or cholesterol in the cornea; or an age-related degenerative disease known as corneal endothelial degeneration, which causes fluid buildup as cells in the cornea break down and can lead to blindness.

Sometimes cloudy eyes in a dog can arise due to “dry eye”—scientific name: keratoconjunctivitis sicca—which is the inadequate production of tears from the third eyelid. That condition mostly affects middle-aged or older dogs. It can be diagnosed by your vet, who will likely prescribe drops to make your dog more comfortable.

Less-common reasons for cloudy eyes include lipid or calcium deposits.

Is it possible for a dog to have just one cloudy eye?

Yes. Glaucoma, uveitis, cataracts, or ulcers can affect one or both eyes, according to Dr. Schechter. 

The bottom line: Staying on top of your dog’s eye health is vital, since it’s an important indicator of their overall well-being. “Conditions like glaucoma and uveitis can progress rapidly,” says Dr. Schechter. “However, if the cloudiness develops gradually and without discomfort  [as it does in nuclear sclerosis], a routine vet appointment is sufficient.” Regular vet visits and eye exams are especially crucial as dogs age and some of the above-mentioned eye conditions become more likely to impact them.

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