Specialized Eye Surgery for Pets in Asheville, NC
Ophthalmic Surgery
Compassionate Surgical Care for Lasting Vision Health
Led by Dr. Whitney Young, DVM, DACVO, a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist, our practice offers expert surgical solutions for a wide range of ocular conditions—bringing advanced eye care to Western North Carolina.
Whether your pet has been referred for a specific concern or is experiencing a chronic eye issue, we provide individualized surgical care with a focus on preserving and restoring vision, relieving discomfort, and maintaining long-term eye health.
Comprehensive Ophthalmic Services
We offer an extensive range of treatments and surgeries tailored to meet the unique needs of each patient. Below are some of the conditions we treat.
Cataract
Cataracts are any opacity within the lens. They are genetic or inherited in many breeds, but can occur as a result of old age, eye injury, inflammation, and Diabetes mellitus as well. The removal of cataracts is a highly specialized procedure that requires a thorough eye examination and pre-operative testing to determine if an animal is a suitable candidate for surgery. Pre-operative testing includes an electroretinogram (ERG), an ocular ultrasound, and a blood test for health screening.
Dry Eye
Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), or dry eye, is characterized by low tear production or quality. When there is a deficiency in the tear film on the eye surface, it can cause redness, discharge, and discomfort. In chronic cases, it may even lead to corneal ulcers, corneal pigmentation, scarring, and vision loss.
Cherry Eye
Cherry eye is commonly used to describe prolapse of the gland in the third eyelid. This condition mainly occurs in dogs, although it can rarely occur in cats. The gland in the third eyelid is responsible for up to 40% of the tear production. Because of this, surgical replacement of the gland is the preferred method of treatment for this condition.
Enucleation and Orbital Prosthesis
Cherry Eye Repair
Correction of a prolapsed third eyelid gland (commonly known as “cherry eye”), restoring normal tear function and preventing long-term irritation.
Entropion
Entropion is a condition in which the eyelids turn inward. This allows the hair from the skin to come into contact with the surface of the cornea, causing discomfort, tearing, and squinting. The friction from the hair rubbing against the cornea may also lead to corneal ulceration and scarring. There are several treatment options for entropion, which depend on the severity and age of the patient.
Conjunctival, Corneal, and Eyelid Mass Removal
Precise excision of benign or malignant growths from sensitive ocular structures, followed by biopsy and aftercare.
Entropion/Ectropion Repair
Correction of eyelids that roll inward (entropion) or outward (ectropion), both of which can lead to chronic discomfort and corneal damage.
Conjunctival Graft for Deep or Ruptured Corneal Ulcers
Eyelid mass
Eyelid masses are growths that appear within or on the eyelid. These masses are generally benign, meaning they do not spread to other tissues. However, they can grow large enough to cause irritation to the eye and surrounding tissue. Removal is usually curative. For more aggressive eyelid masses, additional treatment may be warranted.
Corneal dystrophy and Corneal deposits
Corneal dystrophy in dogs is an inherited eye condition causing cloudiness or opacity in the cornea, the clear outer layer of the eye. Corneal deposits are the gradual buildup of material in the middle layer of the cornea, which can cause variable degrees of discomfort, cloudiness, and vision impairment. These deposits are commonly composed of fats or lipids, or minerals and calcium, and can occur as a result of aging or injury. Certain types of deposits can be treated with medication.
Feline Herpes Virus
Feline herpes virus (FHV) is a highly contagious viral infection that primarily affects the upper respiratory tract and eyes of cats. Over 90% of cats have been exposed to FHV, many at the time of birth. Although nearly all cats come into contact with the virus, not all will show symptoms. Some cats can develop chronic inflammation of the cornea and conjunctiva, which may require intermittent or chronic treatment.
Corneal Sequestrum
Corneal sequestrum is a condition primarily seen in cats where a piece of the cornea (the clear front part of the eye) dies and turns a brownish or black color. It is essentially a scab that can cause discomfort and inflammation on the eye surface. This condition is common in certain breeds, including Persians, Himalayans, and other breeds with brachycephalic features. Corneal sequestrums can develop due to trauma or chronic irritation to the cornea, which can result from many external factors.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is increased pressure within the eye. This elevated pressure can lead to discomfort, vision loss, and permanent damage to the retina & optic nerve. There are several causes of glaucoma, which will be discussed after your pet’s eye exam.
Corneal Ulcer
A corneal ulcer occurs when the cells on the surface of the cornea become damaged, exposing the layers of tissue underneath. Ulcers are uncomfortable and cause symptoms such as squinting, redness, tearing, cloudiness, and rubbing of the eye. Some underlying causes include abnormal eyelashes, age, and dry eye. If one of these is suspected, it will be discussed after your pet’s eye exam.
Hyphema
Hyphema is blood in the front chamber of the eye. It occurs as the result of injury, infection, severe inflammation, or cancer in the eye. After a thorough eye exam, the suspected cause of hyphema can be discussed.
Cryosurgery - Coming Soon
A minimally invasive procedure that uses extreme cold to treat tumors or abnormal tissue around the eye, especially effective for certain eyelid conditions.
Lens Luxation
Lens luxation is a term meaning the lens becomes loose, dislocated, or detached inside the eye. Common causes are genetic, inflammatory, or injury-related. Anterior lens luxation is an emergency, as it can obstruct fluid flow within the eye and lead to very high pressure in the eye, discomfort, and loss of vision.
Diamond Burr Keratotomy with Bandage Contact Lens
A procedure to debride non-healing corneal ulcers followed by placement of a protective lens to promote healing and comfort.
Uveitis
Uveitis is inflammation inside the eye. Symptoms of uveitis may include cloudiness, squinting, redness in the white part of the eye, and changes in vision. There are many causes of uveitis, including immune-mediated conditions, infectious agents (bacterial, tick-borne, or fungal), and cancer. The most likely causes can be discussed after a thorough examination of your pet’s eyes.
Distichia Hair Removal
Surgical removal or cryotherapy treatment for misdirected eyelashes (distichia) that cause discomfort, irritation, or corneal damage.
Why Choose a Veterinary Ophthalmologist?
Ophthalmic surgeries require advanced training, precision, and experience. As a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist, Dr. Young brings years of focused training and hands-on expertise in diagnosing and treating complex eye conditions in pets. Our services are available to referring veterinarians and pet owners across Western North Carolina.
Refer a Surgical Patient
If you’re a veterinarian with a patient in need of ophthalmic surgery, we welcome referrals and collaboration. Please use our Referral Form to share patient records and case details. Have questions? Contact us directly at blueridgeveteye@gmail.com.
Ready to Help Your Pet See More Clearly?
If your pet has been diagnosed with an eye condition or you’ve been referred for surgery, we’re here to provide trusted, expert care.
Call (828) 656-3937 or email blueridgeveteye@gmail.com to schedule a consultation or learn more about our surgical services.