The two most common, serious eye defects that Cavaliers can be afflicted with are CATARACTS and RETINAL DYSPLASIA.

A CATARACT may be defined as a loss of the normal transparency of the lens of the eye. In most cases these start out as small spots of opacity on the lens which slowly grow larger. Once they cover most of the lens the dog begins having difficulty seeing--eventually leading to blindness. Cataracts can be operated on when they are *ripe*. This is a fairly expensive operation but quite successful. There is also an inherited form of cataracts in Cavaliers that are present from birth. These cataracts do not progress and do not lead to blindness. In many cases, very mild forms can be CERF'd (CERF will be explained later) after a few years of ophthalmologist exams showing the cataracts are not progressing/growing.

RETINAL DYSPLASIA comes in 3 different forms:  retinal folds, geographic dysplasia and retinal detachment.

Retinal Folds - These are malformations of the retina of the eye. When an ophthalmologist looks at them they look like tiny squiggles on the retina. Often puppies have folds but they disappear or cover over as they age and they are no longer apparent after one year or so of age. Cavaliers with retinal folds can be CERF'd. It is a breeder option as to whether or not to breed Cavaliers affected with retinal folds.

Geographic Dysplasia - This is a malformation of the retina similar to folds except it is a larger, irregularly shaped area of development. This is a more severe form of retinal dysplasia. It is suggested that Affected animals NOT be bred.

Retinal Detachment - This is the most severe form and can lead to blindness in some breeds.  ffected animals should NOT be bred.

For more on Eye Defects, please see the following site:

https://vivopets.com/dog-eye-problems/
This site has some information on different types of eye defects in all breeds.

The following are the ONLY acceptable test result forms in the USA.

Below is the ACVO evaluation form the ophthalmologist fills out for the breeder. Outlined in red are the areas to check in regards to cataracts, retinal dysplasia or NORMAL eyes. Breeders should have a copy of a recent (within a year or so) evaluation for both parents.

A breeder may opt to send this information to the OFA site where it is listed in an open database that anyone can see. There is an extra charge for this, as well as some extra effort, so some breeders do not send it in. At the very least, they should have this form for each parent.