Home to various eye specialists Houston has many who serve human eyes, but did you know that there are animal doctors who know just as much about animal eyes? While there are many surprising similarities between these two specialists, there are also some notable differences. This article will explore some of the ways these eye specialists are both different and similar, while also exploring the intricate and fascinating world of sight in both humans and animals.
The science of the eye is known as ophthalmology. This branch of medicine explores everything that pertains to the eyes and the power of sight. The ophthalmological branch of science pertains to both human and animal eyes as there are remarkably few differences between the basic structure and physiology of the two types of eyes. It is a common assumption in this field of science that by studying the eyes of animals, we can gain a greater understanding of the workings of the human eye. In a similar fashion to our own, animals use their eyes to process visual information in order to help them gain an understanding of the world around them.
An eye specialist of any sort will be well-versed in the differences between human and animal eyes. One example of a difference is the existence of a tapetum. The tapetum is located in the eyes of animals that are active at night. Domestic pets such as cats and dogs have a tapetum, as do farm animals such as horses and cows. The tapetum is the part of the animal eye that causes their eyes to glow green or yellow when the eye is struck by light. The tapetum is not located within the human eye and an eye specialist Houston patients normally visit would not know how to treat problems with this part of the eye. That’s why specialists for animal eyes study this part in particular.
All retinas contain cones and rods. These are different types of cells that allow the eye to take in light. The eyes of all mammals contain more rods than cones. In humans, there is an area of the retina that is quite rich with cones. This part of the retina is known as the fovea and cats and dogs do not have this in their eyes. This area of the eye in humans accounts for one of the reasons why we can see so many more colors than most animals. While dogs and cats do not see in strict black and white, their color spectrum is limited when compared to humans. Eye specialists for animals would not know how to treat problems in this area.
Another difference can be found in the cornea of animals and humans. The human cornea is much smaller than the corneas that are found in the animal kingdom. Doctors treating animals will have a greater understanding of the larger cornea in their animal patients, while a human cornea specialist like Dr. Goosey has extensive knowledge of our smaller eyes. Whether you’re visiting Dr. Goosey for your eyes, or taking Fido to the vet for his, it’s good to remember that all eyes are important and you should never hesitate to visit a specialist for treatment. For any humans in need of eye care, call our office today to schedule an appointment!
