Scientists have discovered that dogs and cats carry antigens which can prompt different immune¹ responses in humans.

 

While the allergen which dogs carry reduces the chance of developing glaucoma – the second leading cause of blindness in the UK– owning a cat nearly doubles the risk of contracting the eye disease.

 

Many pet owners suffer mild allergic² reactions to their pets but still choose to keep them. However the new study suggests that even a small immune response could lead to blindness.

 

The study by the University of California, Los Angeles, found that cat owners who reacted to their pet allergen had a 90 per cent increased risk of glaucoma compared with non-pet owners. But dog owners were 20 per cent less likely to develop the debilitation³ condition.

 

Keeping a dog also has the added benefit that owners are outside more which has been proven to protect against short-sightedness.

 

"Not only is Fido man's best friend, he may also save your sight," said British laser eye surgeon Dr David Allamby.

 

"Cats could cause our immune system to react in a way that predispose eyes to the development of glaucoma.

 

"Exposure to dogs appears to be linked to the opposite effect and could be protective against the disease."

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