Iris Sphincter Atrophy - info on Jarv's eye condition.

[Helen]

Jarvis had this condition confirmed when he was around 6 years old - he's 9 1/2 years old now. 

Here's the low down on what it is:

Signs of Iris Atrophy

Atrophy of the pupillary sphincter muscle causes a decreased ability for the pupil to constrict in response to light.  This results in varying degrees of pupillary dilation - depending on the severity of atrophy.  Since the degree of atrophy may not be symmetric between both eyes at any given time, anisocoria (uneven pupil size) is commonly diagnosed.  This naturally occurring, age-related iris atrophy needs to be differentiated from other more serious disorders including:  glaucoma, Horner's syndrome, uveitis, cranial nerve abnormalities, among other possible causes, all of which that can possibly lead to loss of vision or imply illness in the animal.

In severe iris atrophy, the decreased ability for the pupil to respond to bright light results in an inability for the eye to control how much light is entering into it.  This can cause affected animals to squint in bright light.
 

Treatment

There is no treatment for iris atrophy, as this is generally regarded as a benign condition.

In some instances, avoiding exposure to bright light or sunlight might be recommended (i.e. walking the dog early in the morning and at (or after) dusk instead of times of peak sunshine).

To be honest the specialist gave very little information when he was examined - the 'baddies' were ruled out - Glaucoma etc - but apart from wearing doggles nothing else was suggested for him and I had no idea if he was in pain or could go blind from it, so I've just done the research myself.

This condition is a lot more common than you think - a lot of middle aged dogs start getting it and it varies in severity.  A lot of dogs become more 'squinty' in bright daylight and nothing is thought of it.  Jarv's is quite severe - his pupils are permanently dilated and he is affected in bright light quite badly - he squints and his eyes stream.  He hates doggles so we tend to try and avoid walking in really bright sunlight in summer. 

I think the only effect it has on him is that his eyes become quite sore and inflamed.  I've just ordered some "Full Beam" herbal eye drops and "bright eyes" herbal soothing eye cream from "Herbal Pet Supplies" so I'll update if it helps him in any way.

If any one else has a dog affected by Iris Sphincter Atrophy I'd love to know and love to know if they have any tips for a light loving pooch 

[happydog]

I have no idea if Bella is suffering from this, but it sounds very much like it. I rescued her at 5 years and after a year or so, I noticed that one of her pupils was slightly larger than the other. I took her to the vet who examined her eye closely, tested it to ensure that she didn't have an ulcer or cataracts & said that obviously something was going on, but she had no idea what it was. Possibly something that was caused by an earlier trauma. As it seemed to be causing her no pain, we decided to leave alone.

Fast forward 6 years and now at 12  that pupil is permanently dilated. I think it's been so gradual that she has gradually adjusted and coped with it well. She misses the ball if we throw it past that side of her but mostly she turns her head to compensate.

She's not entirely happy at dusk, but is perfectly happy at night time. She does squint in the sun, but I think she always has. Occasionally her 'bad' eye gets a little gunky with debris, (especially if she has been snuffling around in undergrowth), which I clear by catching the edge of it with a cotton bud and then twist it away from and out of her eye (without touching her eyeball). Have not seen any sign of infection, or distress at all-touch wood.

The other eye may be heading the same way, but is some way behind I think.