Short answer: conjunctivitis mainly shows up as redness and discharge with the eye itself staying clear, while the key sign of cataracts is a cloudy haze developing inside the eye — either way, an accurate diagnosis requires a vet visit.
What are the signs of conjunctivitis?
If the white of the eye looks red and there's frequent yellow or greenish discharge, conjunctivitis is likely. The eye itself generally stays clear.
What are the signs of cataracts?
If the inside of the eye (the lens) looks white or bluish, as if clouded by a hazy mist, cataracts may be the cause. This is especially common in senior dogs.
What are the 3 at-home checks?
① In bright light, check whether the center of the eye looks cloudy or hazy ② Check the color and thickness of any discharge (clear vs. yellow) ③ Watch for repeated rubbing or squinting in just one eye. Checking these three gives you useful information to share with your vet.
Do cataracts only happen in senior dogs?
Age-related cataracts are the most common, but they can also occur at a young age from diabetes complications or genetic factors — a change in the eye deserves a checkup regardless of age.
What signs mean I should definitely go to the vet?
If your dog is rubbing at the eye a lot, discharge is rapidly increasing, or the eye suddenly turns cloudy, don't wait — get an eye exam right away.
