If your Shih Tzu has developed whitish eyes, it may have developed from a variety of different medical conditions. Whatever the condition, it’s important to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to have your Shih Tzu’s eyes examined and treated as necessary. Whitish eyes in Shih Tzu can cause discomfort, pain, and stress or anxiety if they are not familiar with what’s happening to their vision.
Lenticular sclerosis and cataracts are considered common eye problems observed in Shih Tzu over 9 years of age. Glaucoma can have many different causes, including a genetic component that can present early development in some breeds like the Shih Tzu.
Lenticular sclerosis
Cataract
Glaucoma
Why are Shih Tzu’s eyes turning whitish?
Lenticular Sclerosis
Lenticular sclerosis occurs when there is a transparent blue/white “haze” that develops within the lens of the eye in older Shih Tzu. It is a natural condition associated with the effects of aging, which can lead to white and opaque eyes. Shih Tzu suffering from lenticular sclerosis do not seem to have their vision significantly affected. Lenticular sclerosis usually develops in both eyes in older Shih Tzu. It appears as a symmetrically rounded gray area in the center of the lens.
The following symptoms may be observed when your Shih Tzu develops lenticular sclerosis:
Cloudy color in the lens
Lack of vision
Lack of distance and depth perception
Usually present in both eyes
The cloudiness differs in lighting
When whitish eyes occur in Shih Tzu due to the presence of lenticular sclerosis or cataracts, there are several causes for the development. In lenticular sclerosis in dogs, the lens becomes harder over time. As the central lens is compressed by new fibers that are then deposited in the outer rings of the lens, the compression results in the hardening of the lens.
Cataract
Another cause of whitish eyes in Shih Tzu is cataracts. A cataract is characterized as white and opaque. The cataract clouds the lens of the eye and can cause partial or total vision loss. Cataracts develop as a result of an increased amount of protein accumulated in the eye. The retina is prevented from receiving light and creating an image for your Shih Tzu.
In turn, this can cause vision loss. Untreated cataracts can lead to further eye inflammation, glaucoma, and blindness. Although cataracts are somewhat more likely to be observed in older dogs, they can occur at any age and may be observed in one or both eyes. Some signs to watch for include:
Whitish/cloudy eyes
Discoloration of the eye
Changes in lighting
In cataracts, the most common cause of this condition is due to genes. There are certain dog breeds that are prone to developing cataracts, such as Miniature and Standard Poodles, Cocker Spaniels, Miniature Schnauzers, Golden Retrievers, Boston Terriers, and Bichon Frises. Other causes of cataracts include diabetes and eye trauma.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma can lead to blindness and is a painful disease. The pressure within the eye leads to pain and is caused by too much fluid in the eye. The cornea can become cloudy, leading to vision loss.