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Eye Surgery in Dogs

By the Dog Health Handbook team · Updated · Fact-checked against current veterinary references (see sources)

Key takeaways

  • Common eye surgeries include eyelid lump removal, entropion and cherry eye repair, ulcer surgery, cataract removal and eye removal.
  • Cataract surgery restores vision in about 85% to 95% of dogs in the first year or two.
  • Eye removal relieves pain, and most dogs adapt well to one eye.
  • The cone is essential after most eye surgery, often for 2 weeks or more.
  • Costs vary widely, from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.

Table of Contents

Research Common surgeries Eye removal Cataract surgery Costs Aftercare Specialists FAQ Sources

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Eye surgery in dogs ranges from removing a small eyelid lump to replacing a cloudy lens or removing a painful, blind eye. Many eyelid and eye-removal surgeries can be done by a general vet. Cataract, glaucoma and complex cornea surgery are usually done by a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist.1,2,3 Most eye surgeries have good results, and the aftercare at home matters as much as the operation.4,5

Call your vet right away after eye surgery if:

  • Your dog seems in more pain, or the eye or surgery site is getting more swollen after the first day6,7
  • The incision opens, or there's pus or heavy bleeding8,6
  • The eye turns cloudy, red or bigger after cataract surgery, which can be a sign of glaucoma5,3
  • Your dog gets the cone off and rubs the eye6,5

What the Research Says

  • Cataract surgery usually works. About 85% to 95% of dogs see well in the first year or two. In one Canadian study, 79% of eyes that had surgery were still successful after about 2.5 years of follow-up.3,9,10
  • Untreated cataracts often fail. In the same study, all 8 cataract eyes that weren't treated failed, typically within about a year.10
  • Cherry eye repair succeeds about 92% of the time when the gland is put back rather than removed.11
  • Complications after eye removal are uncommon, at about 4% to 6.5%. Most owners are very satisfied with their dog's quality of life afterward.12
  • Anesthesia is safest in healthy dogs. A large UK study found anesthesia-related deaths in about 1 in 1,849 healthy dogs, compared with about 1 in 75 sick dogs.13

Common Eye Surgeries in Dogs

SurgeryWhat it involves
Eyelid lump removalFreezing a debulked lump, often under light sedation, or cutting out a wedge of lid under anesthesia. About 1 in 7 lumps regrow after freezing.14,15,16 See eye tumors.
Entropion repairRemoving a strip of skin so a rolled-in lid turns out. Puppies may get temporary "tacking" stitches until their face matures. The outlook is excellent.17,4,18
Cherry eye repairTucking the prolapsed tear gland back into place. It should never be removed, because it makes 40% to 60% of the tear film.11 See cherry eye.
Ulcer surgeryLightly scratching the surface of non-healing ulcers (debridement or grid keratotomy), or patching deep ulcers with a graft.19,20,21 See corneal ulcers.
Cataract surgeryRemoving the cloudy lens with ultrasound (phacoemulsification), usually with an artificial lens.3,5
Glaucoma surgeryLaser, freezing or drainage implants to lower eye pressure in a seeing eye. It often still needs drops and may need repeating.22,23
Eye removal (enucleation)Removing a painful, blind or tumor-filled eye.1,24
Proptosis repairPutting an eye that has popped out back in place and stitching the lids closed for 2 to 3 weeks.25,26 See eye injuries.

Eye Removal (Enucleation)

Removing an eye is usually a last resort for an eye that's blind and painful, for example from glaucoma, a ruptured ulcer or a severe injury, or that contains a tumor.1,6,8 It's done under general anesthesia, and the eyelids are stitched closed.1,8

  • Pain: local anesthetic and take-home pain medicine keep most dogs comfortable.24,6 Many dogs with painful glaucoma act more like themselves after the eye is removed.12
  • Recovery: swelling and bruising are worst in the first 24 hours, and the first 3 to 5 days are the most important. A little blood-tinged fluid from the wound or that side of the nose is normal.6,8 The site heals in about 10 to 14 days.24
  • Appearance: without an implant, the closed lids sink in a little over a few months. An orbital implant can reduce this.1
  • Life with one eye: most dogs adapt well. Speak as you approach from the blind side, and take extra care around traffic and other animals.6,1

An alternative is an implant placed inside the eye's own shell (intrascleral prosthesis). It looks more natural, but it has more complications, and some dogs need drops for life.12,22

Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery is the only treatment that restores vision. Drops sold to dissolve cataracts don't work.5 Eye specialists advise seeing them as soon as a cataract is noticed, because cataracts can cause inflammation and glaucoma that damage the eye, and surgery works best before the cataract fully matures.5,9,27

  • Before surgery, tests check that the retina works and is attached (an electroretinogram and an ultrasound).3,28
  • Good candidates have vision problems, are otherwise healthy, and accept eye drops and pills.5
  • Afterward, expect drops and pills several times a day for 4 to 6 weeks, a cone for 4 to 6 weeks, several rechecks, and yearly checkups for life.3,5,29
  • Complications include glaucoma, inflammation, bleeding inside the eye and retinal detachment.3,28,10 Young dogs may be at higher risk of glaucoma afterward.30

See cataracts in dogs for more.

How Much Does Dog Eye Surgery Cost?

Costs depend on where you live, whether a specialist does the surgery, and whether one or both eyes are involved. Approximate US ranges:

SurgeryApproximate US cost
Cherry eye repair$300 to $2,500 (2024)31
Entropion repairAbout $500 to $2,000 or more with a specialist (2025)32
Eye removal$475 to $2,000 (2024)24
Cataract surgery$2,800 to $4,900 on average (2023), or about $3,675 at Cornell's hospital including tests (undated page, read 2026)29,3

If cost is a concern, ask your vet about payment plans, and look into pet insurance (best bought before a problem starts), charities and veterinary school programs.33,6

Aftercare at Home

  • Keep the cone on at all times until your vet says otherwise. Doughnut-style collars often aren't enough for eye surgery.6,24
  • Give every medicine as directed, spacing different eye drops at least 5 to 10 minutes apart.34,5
  • Limit activity: no rough play, swimming or bathing until your vet clears it.8
  • Keep every recheck. Stitches usually come out in 10 to 14 days.8,4

Cones are hard on dogs. In an owner survey, 77% said their pet's quality of life was worse while wearing one, and some dogs became withdrawn or more anxious. Some dogs get used to it within about 10 days, and 60% of owners said their pet had trouble drinking, so make sure food and water are easy to reach.35 Goggles can work for some dogs that can't tolerate a cone, but only with your vet's approval and under supervision.36

When to See a Veterinary Ophthalmologist

Board-certified veterinary ophthalmologists train for at least 12 years after high school, including a 3- to 4-year eye residency.37 Ask for a referral for cataracts, glaucoma, eye tumors, severe injuries, or deep or non-healing ulcers.2,20 Many eye problems are time-sensitive. You can also contact a specialist directly.2

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does dog eye surgery cost?

Approximate US costs: $300 to $2,500 for cherry eye repair (2024), about $500 to $2,000 or more for entropion repair (2025), $475 to $2,000 to remove an eye (2024), and $2,800 to $4,900 for cataract surgery (2023).

Is eye removal painful for dogs?

Pain is controlled with medicine, and many dogs feel better once a painful eye is gone.

How long does it take a dog to recover from eye removal?

About 10 to 14 days for the site to heal. The first 3 to 5 days are the most important.

Can a dog live a normal life with one eye?

Yes. Most dogs adapt well.

How successful is cataract surgery in dogs?

About 85% to 95% of dogs see well in the first year or two.

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Sources and further reading

This article was rewritten and fact-checked on October 27, 2026 against current veterinary references and specialist guidelines:

  1. Riesberg J. Enucleation. American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists, May 2025.
  2. American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists. The referral process. Accessed October 2026.
  3. Cornell University Hospital for Animals. Ophthalmology service. Accessed October 2026.
  4. Giuliano EA. Eyelid Surgery Challenges. Southern European Veterinary Conference, Barcelona, 2017 (IVIS).
  5. Giuliano EA. Cataracts: How and When to Refer. Southern European Veterinary Conference, Barcelona, 2017 (IVIS).
  6. PDSA. Enucleation: eye removal in dogs, January 2020.
  7. Barnes C, Weir M, Ward E. Corneal ulcers in dogs. VCA Animal Hospitals, July 2025.
  8. Gaerig AS. Enucleation: when and how to remove the eye. Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association conference notes.
  9. Hamor RE. The lens in animals. Merck Veterinary Manual, updated July 2026.
  10. Lim CC, Bakker SC, Waldner CL, Sandmeyer LS, Grahn BH. Cataracts in 44 dogs (77 eyes): a comparison of outcomes for no treatment, topical medical management, or phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation. Canadian Veterinary Journal, 2011.
  11. Lutz E. Cherry eye: should it stay or should it go? American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists, February 2025.
  12. Mills E, Lewin A, Carter R. Ocular salvage procedure options: when is the right time to enucleate? Vet Times, May 2023.
  13. Brodbelt DC, Blissitt KJ, Hammond RA, et al. The risk of death: the Confidential Enquiry into Perioperative Small Animal Fatalities. Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia, 2008.
  14. American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists. Eyelid tumors: the sooner, the better, April 2022.
  15. Zibura AE, Henriksen MDL, Rendahl A, Lim CC, Reilly C. Retrospective evaluation of canine palpebral masses treated with debulking and cryotherapy: 46 cases. Veterinary Ophthalmology, 2019 (abstract).
  16. Foote BC. Diagnosis and treatment of eyelid tumors. Today's Veterinary Practice, January/February 2022.
  17. Bromberg NM. Entropion. American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists.
  18. Hamor RE. Eyelids in animals. Merck Veterinary Manual, updated July 2026.
  19. University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine. Indolent ulcers in dogs FAQs, November 2025.
  20. Hamor RE. The cornea in animals. Merck Veterinary Manual, updated July 2026.
  21. Giuliano E. How I Approach... Canine Ocular Emergencies. Veterinary Focus 2015;25(3):10-17 (IVIS).
  22. Hamor RE. Glaucoma in animals. Merck Veterinary Manual, updated August 2026.
  23. Verbruggen AM. A Fly-over the Current Drugs Used in Ophthalmology. European Veterinary Conference Voorjaarsdagen, Amsterdam, 2013 (IVIS).
  24. Koehler R. Enucleation of the eye in cats and dogs. PetMD, July 2024.
  25. Thomasy SM. Proptosis in animals. Merck Veterinary Manual, July 2024.
  26. Hamor RE. Prolapse of the eye. MSD (Merck) Veterinary Manual, updated July 2026.
  27. Gelatt KN. Disorders of the lens in dogs. Merck Veterinary Manual (pet owner version), updated April 2026.
  28. Coster M. Cataracts and cataract surgery in dogs. MSPCA-Angell Animal Medical Center.
  29. Morris MS (reviewed by Bey G, DVM). How much does cataract surgery for a dog cost? GoodRx Pet Health, April 2023.
  30. Davis RL, Kovalsky KA, Weinstein WL, Moore PA. Post-operative outcomes of phacoemulsification in juvenile dogs (abstract). Animal Eye Clinic.
  31. Morris MS (reviewed by Bey G, DVM). How much does cherry eye surgery cost? GoodRx Pet Health, January 2024.
  32. MetLife Pet Insurance. Eyelid entropion in dogs, September 2025.
  33. American Veterinary Medical Association. Financial assistance for veterinary care costs. Accessed October 2026.
  34. American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists. Tips for eye medication, January 2020.
  35. Shenoda Y, Ward MP, McKeegan D, Fawcett A. "The cone of shame": welfare implications of Elizabethan collar use on dogs and cats as reported by their owners. Animals, 2020.
  36. Maharaj N. Eye protection for dogs: goggles, sunglasses, and more. American Kennel Club, March 2026.
  37. Martabano B. What does it mean to be a veterinary ophthalmologist? American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists, February 2026.

About this article

Last updated : rewritten using the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists, the Merck Veterinary Manual, Cornell University, PDSA, IVIS proceedings and studies published 2008 to 2023.

This page is for general information and is not a substitute for an exam by your veterinarian.