Which pair of ophthalmic problems are most commonly identified in many senior dogs?

• A. Cataracts and glaucoma
• B. Conjunctivitis and corneal ulcers
• C. Progressive retinal atrophy and dry eye
• D. Uveitis and eyelid tumors

Answer: (A)

In older dogs, two eye problems crop up far more often than others: cataracts and glaucoma. Cataracts are a common age-related change where the lens becomes cloudy, leading to decreased or clouded vision. Glaucoma, on the other hand, is a serious condition where intraocular pressure rises and can damage the optic nerve, often presenting as pain and vision loss. Because cataracts and the lens changes they cause can predispose to secondary glaucoma, these issues frequently appear together in senior dogs. This combination is what clinicians most commonly identify in older dogs during eye exams, making it the best answer.

Conjunctivitis and corneal ulcers tend to arise from irritation, infection, or trauma and are not as specifically tied to the aging dog population as a pair. Progressive retinal atrophy is a hereditary condition that can affect many breeds and may present earlier in life, with dry eye common in older dogs but not typically paired with PRA as the most common duo. Uveitis and eyelid tumors can occur in seniors but do not form the classic, most frequently identified pair seen in ordinary practice.