PETS Vet Talk The eyes have it

We call Ratu “The Squinter”. He has trouble accommodating his eyes to the harshness of direct sunlight as he has a condition called iris atrophy. Iris atrophy is quite common, and occurs as a gradual ageing process in dogs.

It is not hereditary, nor is it painful and no treatment is required. The colourful irises are affected, so the eyes appear irregular.

Two muscle groups (the dilators and the sphincters) work to control the enlargement and constriction of the pupils respectively. Normally they can widen the pupil in dim lighting, and close it right down when it is bright. With age, these muscles begin to weaken, and you may notice the coloured iris looking rough, thin, or even having holes in it.

To compensate for too much light getting through his pupils, Ratu shuts his eyelids to reduce the glare, hence his apparent squinting. When the dogs are out in full sunshine or at the beach, he’ll nuzzle into his canine companion Nuku and rely on Nuku to direct the play.