Retinal diagnostics and investigation of vision problems

Sudden or gradual loss of vision has many possible causes – from a primary retinal disease to a general illness such as high blood pressure that shows up in the eye first.

When you should see us

your pet suddenly bumps into objects or can no longer find its way in the dark
conspicuously wide pupils that don’t react to light – an alarm signal, especially in older cats
a gradual deterioration in vision noticed by you or your family vet
known kidney disease, thyroid disease or high blood pressure

What we examine

With ophthalmoscopy we examine the retina for detachment, bleeding, inflammation or degeneration.

A dog on a table being examined for retinal disease with a head-mounted indirect ophthalmoscope. — Examining the retina with a head-mounted indirect ophthalmoscope.

A blood pressure measurement shows whether high blood pressure – one of the most common causes of sudden blindness in older cats – is behind it. If necessary, we add an ocular ultrasound or a retinal function test (electroretinogram) to distinguish between a disease of the eye and a cause in the brain or optic nerves. Further therapy is closely coordinated with your family vet.

More about the link between high blood pressure and blindness in cats can be found in our knowledge base (in German).