local
Carsten column: Ultraviolet light and dog eyes
By Dr. Ron CarstenIntegrative Pet Vet at Glenwood Springs Post Independent
· June 26, 2026
· 4 min read
Colorado is well known for its sunshine, with 245 to 285 sunny days each year. With all that sunshine comes blue skies and plenty of ultraviolet light, or UV.
At Colorado’s high altitude, UV exposure is estimated to be 20% to 30% higher than at sea level. That matters because UV exposure can c...
Key takeaway At Colorado’s high altitude, UV exposure is estimated to be 20% to 30% higher than at sea level.
Why this matters in Aspen News
Aspen dog owners should be aware of the increased risk of pannus in their pets due to the area's high altitude and intense ultraviolet light. With 245 to 285 sunny days per year, Colorado's climate can exacerbate this immune-mediated disease, particularly in breeds such as German shepherds and border collies that are commonly found in the Aspen area. The fact that pannus can lead to blindness if left untreated makes it crucial for local dog owners to monitor their pets' eye health closely. Regular veterinary check-ups and prompt treatment with steroid eye drops or immune-suppressive drugs can help limit the progression of the disease. Aspen's veterinary community should be prepared to diagnose and treat pannus, taking into account the unique environmental factors that contribute to its development in the area. By being proactive, dog owners can help protect their pets' vision and overall health.
About this story
Original reporting by Glenwood Springs Post Independent . Aspen News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Glenwood Springs Post Independent . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 26, 2026 ·
Source: Glenwood Springs Post Independent ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Colorado is well known for its sunshine, with 245 to 285 sunny days each year. With all that sunshine comes blue skies and plenty of ultraviolet light, or UV.
At Colorado’s high altitude, UV exposure is estimated to be 20% to 30% higher than at sea level. That matters because UV exposure can c...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 26, 2026 by Glenwood Springs Post Independent and curated for Aspen News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Dr. Ron CarstenIntegrative Pet Vet at Glenwood Springs Post Independent. To learn more about how Aspen News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Aspen News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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