As a cat owner, it is important for you to understand the most common eye conditions in cats. Because cats need early diagnosis, in case of eye problems and immediate treatment; otherwise, your cat can become permanently blind. Studies show that up to 70% of cats will experience an eye-related issue at some point in their lives. Therefore, in this article we have described 7 most common feline eye problems:
1-Conjunctivitis or Pink Eye
The conjunctiva is a thin, transparent membrane that covers the internal eyelids and lines the white part of the eye (sclera). Its inflammation is called conjunctivitis. It is the most common eye infection in cats, accounting for over 80% of feline eye infections reported in veterinary clinics. This condition is also called “Pink Eye”because the conjunctiva appear pink or red due to inflammation. It can be mild to severe.
Furthermore, Conjunctivitis can be caused by bacterial (Chlamydia felis or mycoplasma infections) or viral infections (feline herpesvirus). In addition, In some cases allergies, irritants, and trauma are primary reasons.
Symptoms
- Redness and swelling around the eyes
- Photophobia (sensitivity to light)
- Squinting (looking with closed eyes)
- Frequently rubbing eyes
- Discharge from eyes
- Sneezing
The vet will diagnose conjunctivitis using a fluorescein staining test and swab eye test in combination with a physical examination and history.
For cure, Antibiotics and antivirals are administered for bacterial or viral causes, respectively. In addition, lubricants to soothe eyes and anti-inflammatory medication are also given by veterinarians to reduce swelling and inflammation around the eyes.
However, to protect your cat from conjunctivitis, vaccination is recommended. Moreover, maintain good hygiene and regularly visit your vet for early detection.
“Around 90% of cats with upper respiratory infections also develop secondary eye conditions like conjunctivitis or corneal ulcers”
3-Corneal Ulcers
The cornea is the outer transparent layer of the eye. Corneal ulcers occur when a sore or wound is present in the cornea. This is a common eye problem in cats that requires early diagnosis and prompt treatment; otherwise, it can result in vision loss and other severe complications. As vindicated by studies, that up to 25% of severe cases result in vision loss.
Mostly, It is caused by trauma, infections, dry eye, entropion, or irritant exposures.
Symptoms
- Blepharospasm (repetitive blinking of the eye)
- Watery discharge from eyes
- Cloudy or white spot on cornea
- Photophobia
- Redness of eyes
A veterinarian will thoroughly examine the eye with an ophthalmoscope to check for underlying trauma or infections and will perform. Moreover, Fluorescein stain test is also used for corneal ulcer diagnosis.
Treatment involves the administration of antibiotics, antivirals, and anti-inflammatory medications. But for deep ulcers, surgery is necessary. Furthermore, Artificial tears are used to keep the eye moist and aid in healing.
To protect your cat, keep its environment free of sharp and blunt objects. Also check for any signs of irritation and always keep your cat’s vaccination up to date.
3-Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a serious eye condition in cats characterised by increased pressure inside the eye. Resultantly, this elevated pressure leads to pain, damage to the optic nerve, vision loss, and blindness.
There are two types of glaucoma.
a) Primary Glaucoma
It’s caused by genetic predisposition but rare in cats
b) Secondary Glaucoma
It’s caused by uveitis (inflammation of the uvea), lens luxation (dislocation of the lens), tumours, or trauma to the eyes.
It’s estimated that 15% of cats with untreated glaucoma lose vision in the affected eye.
To add, glaucoma in cats is caused by blockage of aqueous humour or overproduction of aqueous humour.
Symptoms
- Cloudy or bluish appearance of the cornea
- Enlarged or bulging eye
- Vision loss
- Eye Pain
- Dilated pupils
A vet will measure intraocular pressure (IOP) to diagnose glaucoma. Moreover, examine the eye and assess underlying conditions for further diagnosis.
Medications for glaucoma include eye drops, anti-inflammatory drugs, and pain relievers. If these medications are proving futile, then surgery is the last resort.
Tip: Never use human eye drops on cats without veterinary advice—they can be harmful
4-Cataracts
Cataracts are cloudiness of the eye lens leading to blurred or impaired vision. They are not so common in cats as in dogs.
They are caused by increasing age, diabetes mellitus, genetic predisposition, infections, and trauma.
Age-related cataracts are more prevalent in senior cats, affecting approximately 20% of cats over the age of 12.
Symptoms
- Cloudy or white appearance of eye
- Vision impairment
- Eye discomfort
- Reluctance to jump
- Changes in pupil size and shape
The vet will diagnose cataracts starting with a complete ophthalmic examination. Ultrasound and blood tests are other options.
The effective treatment of cataracts is surgery through a procedure called Phacoemulsification. Although medications cannot cure cataracts, they can manage secondary complications. To prevent cataracts in cats, ensure a balanced diet in their kittenhood. Also manage diabetes in cats and ensure regular vet checks.
5-Uveitis
The uvea is the middle layer of the eye. It consists of three parts: the iris, ciliary body, and choroid. Inflammation of the uvea is called uveitis. It’s a serious condition in cats that can result in permanent vision loss if immediate treatment is not provided.
Causes
- Bacterial infections (Chlamydia felis, Bartonella, or Mycoplasma)
- Viral infections (feline leukaemia virus (FeLV), feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), and feline herpesvirus)
- Systemic Diseases (feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), toxoplasmosis)
- Immune-Mediated Conditions (cat’s immune system attacking its own cells)
- Trauma
Symptoms
- Redness of eye
- Discharge from eyes
- Pupil Changes
- Pain Photophobia
- Vision problems
To diagnose uveitis, a veterinarian will perform a thorough examination of the eyes, tonometry, ultrasound, and blood tests.
For treatment of Uveitis, Corticosteroids and Cycloplegics (which relax the muscles of the eye) are given to resolve uveitis cases. In addition, pain relief and anti-infectious medicine are also prescribed by veterinarians. If the case is severe, then surgery is the only treatment option. For prevention of uveitis in your cats, ensure vaccination and parasite control.
6-Cherry Eye
Cherry eye is a prolapse of the third eyelid or nictitating membrane. The third eyelid is located in the inner eye corner. It produces tear production and protects the eye. A prolapsed third eyelid resembles a cherry, so it’s name is “Cherry Eye.” It’s one of the most common eye conditions in cats.
Cherry eye is caused by weakening or degeneration of connective tissues that hold their eyelid in place. The exact cause is still unknown, but it’s linked to genetic predisposition, ageing, and trauma.
Symptoms
- Visible red and swollen mass
- Excessive tearing
- Blinking
- Irritation
The veterinarian will diagnose cherry eye based on history, physical examination, and differential diagnosis.
Surgical repositioning is the most common and effective treatment for cherry eye. It is mostly safe and successful surgery. Also, the prognosis of cherry eye is good. Most cases of cherry eye are genetic; therefore, it is difficult to manage.
7- Dry Eye
Dry eye, or keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), is caused by inadequate production of tears by the eyes. This leads to irritation and inflammation in the eyes and potential damage to the cornea and conjunctiva.
Causes
- Immune-mediated disease (cats with a history of feline herpes virus)
- Medications (Atropine, Sulfonamides)
- Congenital defects (undeveloped tear glands)
- Systemic Disease (hypothyroidism, diabetes)
- Chronic condition like conjunctivitis
Symptoms
- Bloodshot Eyes
- Excessive Tearing
- Thick discharge from eyes
- Corneal ulcers
- Cloudy cornea
The Schirmer Tear Test is the most common test to diagnose dry eye. Other tests are fluorescein staining and blood tests.
For treatment, your vet will prescribe artificial tears, Cyclosporine A (immunosuppressive medication that helps stimulate the tear glands), or Tacrolimus (similar to cyclosporine A). Moreover, antibiotics will reduce the chances of secondary infections.
If surgery is needed, then the vet will perform either the Parotid Duct Transposition (PDT) or the tear duct punctal plugs procedure. Prompt treatment and managing underlying conditions can reduce chances of your cat suffering from dry eye.
Conclusion
Eye problems are frequently reported diseases in cats. So, In this article we have briefly explained the most common eye conditions in cats; their causes, diagnosis, treatment along with preventive measures.
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