A cataract is an opacity in the lens, which if extensive
enough, can cause visual problems or complete blindness. The cataract
occupies a particular part in the lens so that it can be recognised as being
of an inherited type. Vision loss to the point of blindness can occur in
either one or both eyes. The onset can occur as early as 4 months of age
with higher incidence reported between 6 and 18 months old.
All arctic circle breeds are predisposed to glaucoma.
It is thought to be inherited but the mode is unknown. Glaucoma is caused
by impairment of the flow of aqueous humor which causes the pressure in the
eye to increase. Although present at any age, the disorder is mostly seen
in middle aged dogs. A cloudy or red eye may be noticed which may be
painful. Treatment is surgical and or medical.
The term Corneal Dystrophy is used to describe a variety of
disorders affecting the layers of the cornea (the clear surface of the
eye). Cloudiness is the primary characteristic of corneal dystrophy that
you are likely to notice. Once Corneal dystrophy occurs, the cloudy areas
will not go away. Vision is usually not affected by small areas of corneal
dystrophy but larger cloudy areas can sometimes interfere with normal
vision. Siberian Huskies have a form of corneal dystrophy which is properly
called "crystalloid corneal dystrophy". It is inherited as a recessive
trait. This form of dystrophy usually begins between 5 and 27 months of age.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA):
This disorder affects the retina, the light sensitive
inner lining of the posterior part of the eyeball. The Siberian Husky has a
unique type of PRA that is only found in Siberians and man. This type of
PRA is called "X" Linked PRA, since it is transmitted through the "XX"
chromosome of the female. It will cause a loss of night vision followed by a
loss of day vision, eventually blindness. The disease in males can be
devastating with loss of vision as early as 5 months of age.
entropion eyelid occurs when the eyelid rolls over against the eyeball and
the eyelashes rub against the surface of the eye. The rubbing action
irritates the cornea and may result in corneal ulcers. This condition is