Eye Exam

The eye exam must be performed in a way that allows for a detailed but safe eye exam. Some situations will require MWD sedation. (See K9 Analgesia and Anesthesia CPG.)

The eye should be examined from outside to inside.

  • External exam – face, bony orbit, eyelids, third eyelid.
  • Eye – conjunctiva, cornea, anterior chamber, iris, lens.
  • DO NOT attempt ultrasound of the injured eye at Role 1 or 2 (places pressure on the eye).

Additionally, DO NOT do the following:

  • Bandage or cover the eye. Make every attempt to keep the MWD from scratching the eye. Consider e-collar or bucket (see K9 Normal Clinical Parameters CPG), improvised bucket or other cones as well as sedation if needed.
  • Remove impaled or resistant foreign bodies.
  • Repair, enucleate or debride tissue from the eye, if it is severely traumatized.

ASSESSMENT  OF  VISION

  1. Observe the MWD from a distance noting attitude, overall facial symmetry, other wounds, and the ability to navigate in an unfamiliar environment. Presenting vision may be the best predictor of final visual outcome.
  2. Minimal restraint should be used during an eye exam. If sedation is used, consider the effects of the pharmacologic agents on the eye exam. Some may decrease tear production or intraocular pressure (IOP), affect pupillary response (i.e., miosis) and may also cause the eye to roll downward with protrusion of the nictitating membrane (third eyelid).
  3. Evaluation of ocular movement is achieved by turning the MWD’s head from side to side and up and down. This may be done by the provider or handler or accomplished by using a high value reward to encourage the MWD to turn their eyes on their own while the head is held stable.
  4. A menace test may be used as a rough assessment of vision. Perform this test by making a menacing gesture toward the eye, being cautious not to cause excessive air currents or touching the eyelashes. Use caution when conducting this test, taking the temperament of the MWD into account.

INTRAOCULAR  PRESSURE (IOP)

  1. DO NOT put pressure on the eye with a suspected open globe injury. This may increase the risk of extrusion of intraocular contents.
  2. DO NOT attempt to check IOP at Role 1 or Role 2 unless experienced with this technique.

PUPILS

Observe for asymmetry of the pupils in both light and dark settings. Test direct and consensual pupillary light reflex (PLR) with a focal light source or use a swinging flashlight test.