Lens luxation is a condition in which the lens of your dog’s eye becomes partially or totally detached. The lens is held in place by small ligaments known as zonules. These zonules may weaken and eventually break. When the zonules are weakened the condition is know as subluxated. When they fail completely, they are termed luxated. The way the zonules are attached can lead to the lens to fall forward (anterior luxated) or backwards (posterior luxated). Lens luxation may occur in one or both of your dog’s eyes.

Symptoms include the disappearance of the pupil, lesions on the eye, swelling of the eye and/or eye redness/discoloration.

Lens luxation can be inherited, the result of a birth defect, caused by an injury, or the result of another medical condition such as glaucoma or infection.

Lens luxation can be diagnosed by a physical examination utilizing common ophthalmic tools.

Lens luxation may be treated with surgery or laser surgery depending upon the underlying cause. In some cases, the lens is removed and replaced with an artificial lens. Constant monitoring is required over the life of any dog afflicted with lens luxation.

Since lens luxation may be an inherited condition, afflicted dogs should not be bred. Likewise, you should not acquire a dog who has a family history of this condition.

No you cannot contract lens luxation from your dog.