Ophthalmology
Our goal is to protect your pet’s vision and comfort so they can keep enjoying life alongside you.
IndyVet’s board certified veterinary ophthalmologist, Dr. Heidi Klein, specializes in diagnosing eye disease of animals. She provide eye examinations on dogs, cats, and exotic species. She performs comprehensive examinations of the eye using specialized light sources with magnification to thoroughly evaluate every component of the eye and its surrounding structures. Routine tests of visual function, tear production, eye pressures, and testing to evaluate for damage to the surface of the eye are frequently performed as a part of their initial evaluation. Some eye diseases can be treated with medication alone while other conditions may require delicate surgical intervention by our ophthalmologist.
The following are signs that your pet is having an eye problem and should be evaluated:
Squinting or holding the eye(s) shut
Scratching or rubbing at the eye(s)
Swelling or tumors of the eye(s) or eyelid(s)
A change in appearance of the eyes, especially cloudiness or redness
Any change in vision, whether slow or sudden in onset
Excessive green or yellow discharge from the eyes
What We Do
Examinations
The entire ophthalmic exam is often completed in the exam room with the client present and takes 30 to 90 minutes depending on the presenting complaint.
Advanced Diagnostics
CT scan: Our high-quality imaging allows us to diagnose and treat complex problems associated with the eye and surrounding structures. Our 128-slice per rotation scanner generates extremely fast image acquisition and reconstructions.
ERG (electroretinography): This test records electrical signals generated by the cells of the retina when the eye is exposed to flashes of light. This helps ophthalmologists determine whether the retina is functioning normally.
Ocular ultrasound: An imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to create pictures of the eye and the structures behind it. It is especially useful when an ophthalmologist cannot see into the eye directly because something is blocking the view, such as a cataract, corneal opacity, blood, or inflammation.
Surgery
Burr keratectomy for indolent corneal ulcers
Cataract surgery with prosthetic lens replacement
Eyelid surgeries to correct abnormal position of eyelids (entropion and ectropion)
Cryotherapy for distichiasis (abnormal eyelid hairs) and eyelid tumors
Treatment of ectopic cilia using electrocautery and cryotherapy
Diode laser treatment of epibulbar melanomas
Prophylactic and therapeutic diode laser retinopexy
Transscleral cyclophotocoagulation for glaucoma
Enucleation (eye removal) for intraocular tumors, end stage glaucoma and globe rupture
Evisceration and prosthesis for end stage glaucoma
Parotid duct transposition for dry eye
Ciliary body ablation for glaucoma
Surgical correction of 3rd eyelid gland prolapse
Corneal surgeries for deep corneal ulcers, sequestrums, or non-healing ulcers
Emergencies
Common eye symptoms that require immediate attention include:
An extremely red eye
Bleeding in the eye or blood coming from the eye
A cloudy/blue eye
Foreign body penetrating the eye
Severe squinting
Swelling of the eye or lids
A sudden depression appearing in the cornea (the clear front portion of the eye)
Bulging of the eye
IndyVet’s emergency doctors are available after hours and on weekends. The attending emergency veterinarian will evaluate your pet and may consult with the ophthalmologist to create a treatment plan.
OFA Eye Registry Foundation
IndyVet performs examinations on breeding dogs or puppies to screen them for heritable eye diseases. OFA registry examinations thoroughly evaluate eyes for genetically acquired diseases. IndyVet will provide clients with a copy of the exam sheet that can be submitted to OFA for certification. For more information and registration, please visit the OFA Website.
Additional Ophthalmic Information
If you want to know more about Cataracts and the surgery to treat them, follow the links below:
Want to read about a specific eye problem? Please visit The ACVO Website to read more information about common eye diseases and surgeries.
If you would like to learn more about how to get a healthy puppy, Companion Animal Eye Registry, or genetic testing, these links are helpful:
If you have a blind dog, you may find Muffins Halos helpful in allowing your blind dog to get around a little easier.
Helpful Tips to Medicate Your Pet
Medication Refills
The Indiana Veterinary Practice Act prohibits veterinarians from legally refilling medications if a patient has not been examined within the past one year. If your pet has not been examined at IndyVet within the past 12 months, please schedule a recheck exam prior to requesting a refill.
If your pet has been examined at IndyVet Ophthalmology in the past 12 months, please e-mail or call (317) 782-4484 to request a refill of medications. When leaving a message by phone or e-mail, please include your name, your pet’s name, the name of the drug requested, the quantity you are requesting, and the best way to contact you. Refills may be called into a local pharmacy or refilled at IndyVet. Refill requests need to be made Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Please allow 24 hours for prescriptions to be refilled. Refills can be mailed to clients upon request.
