Most often cloudiness is noticed in the cornea (the clear window at the front of the eye) or the lens- vision may be affected to varying degrees depending on the underlying cause.

Conditions most likely to cause cloudy or opaque eyes:

• Cataracts
• Uveitis- inflammation inside the eye
• Pannus- autoimmune inflammation in the cornea, German Shepherds are predisposed
• Injury or damage to the eye/s
• Corneal ulcers or scratches
• Dry Eye
• Glaucoma

Nuclear Sclerosis is considered a normal ageing change in older pets where the lens takes on a cloudy or blueish haze – it doesn’t affect vision but can often be confused with cataracts on first glance. Your vet can easily distinguish between the two conditions by doing an eye exam.