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My older dog's eyes look cloudy. Is it cataracts or something else?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | neutered | 12 years and 9 months old | 50 lbs

My dog is almost 13. This just started happening to his eyes. What does it mean?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Tomasz Wnuk

Veterinarian

Published on May 15th, 2018

The picture is not very clear but I suspect your dog has nuclear sclerosis, which is progressive claudiness of the lens. This is age-related process and there is nothing to do to stop it. There is a chance that Tucker has cataract, which may be related to diabetes in dogs. Please, get your dog checked by your local vet to confirm the diagnosis and, if necessary, get treatment for him.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on October 30th, 2020
Based on the photo, there are no obvious signs of cataracts. However, pets can have a slight blue haze that develops on the center of their eye due to normal aging. If you are seeing this, then this is probably just an aging development called nuclear sclerosis. IF you are unsure, then its ok to just wait until Noah's next scheduled exam and inquire with your vet. This is not urgent, so no special appt is needed if this is your only concern. Normal aging eyes in pets is something that they adapt to and unless a cataract develops and starts to cause some vision loss, we don't seek further treatment.

Here is more visual pictures of pets with cataracts and the information on the difference between nuclear (lenticular) sclerosis and cataracts. --> https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951531

I hope that this helps and best of luck with your pet Noah moving forward. : ) Take care.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on February 24th, 2019
It could be cataracts, but it could also be cloudiness that that occurs with age. I cannot say for certain without seeing Kobe in person. I would take him into the vet this week to have it checked out. Best of luck.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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