A cat's distinctive eyes are the first thing you notice about them. Because their eyes are so compelling it is readily obvious if there is something wrong. Your cat's eyes should be moist and clear. If you notice their eyes are cloudy, tearing or if their eyelids are red, they may have developed an infection or eye disease. Knowing the signs of disease or infection and getting prompt medical attention can save your precious companion's eyesight.
Signs and Symptoms of Cat Eye Problems
Watery eyes
Thick white discharge
Eyelid red and inflamed
Dull eye surface
Tearing or other discharge
Cloudiness
Squinting
Tear stains around eyes
If you notice any changes to your cat's eyes, a prompt visit to your veterinarian will provide a diagnosis. There are many different cat eye diseases so your vet will perform tests to determine what is wrong. A flourescein stain will show if there are any corneal ulcers or abrasions and a tear test will determine the level of tear production. Ocular pressure will be applied to detect if your cat has Glaucoma and an ophthalmoscope used to look into your cat's eye chamber, much like when you visit your optometrist.
Feline Eye Problems
Conjunctivitis
Feline Herpes
Corneal Ulceration (scratches)
Watery Eyes
Cataracts or Glaucoma
Untreated Hypertension (high blood pressure)
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Eyelid Tumors
Conjunctivitis is an eye infection. It can inflame the inner lining of the eyelid and the white of the eye. This can be caused by a number of different infections or by allergies. Chronic conjunctivitis may be the result of Feline herpes and is highly contagious between cats so you must keep the infected cat separate from other cats. Treatment of feline herpes is antiviral and antibacterial medications in the form of drops or ointments. Vaccination against the herpes virus is part of your cat's typical vaccinations and while it does not prevent or cure herpes it can reduce the symptoms. It is estimated that 80% of cats that recover from herpes virus become carriers of this disease. Stress and illness can cause recurrences of the symptoms for the rest of their lives.
Corneal ulceration or abrasions occur when the surface of the cornea is scratched. A cat fight, infection or contact with hair can cause this problem. Although you cannot always prevent a cat fight or infection, if you keep your cat's hair trimmed away from its eyes you can reduce the likelihood of scratches.
If your cat's eyes are always watery or if the fur around their eyes is stained with tears, if could be from a defect in the tear ducts which causes blockage. There are products available for tear stain removal as well as eye washes to gently clean your cat's eyes.
Glaucoma is one of the most common causes of blindness in cats. Your cat's eyes produce a fluid that keeps them nourished and maintains the shape of their eyes. If the fluid drain becomes clogged, the fluid has nowhere to go and builds up pressure inside the eye. Glaucoma usually develops if your cat's eyes are chronically inflamed. It is imperative to cat eye health that you make sure any cat eye infection is cleared up. Your veterinarian can give your cat pressure reducing medications. In severe cases, surgery might be required.
Cataracts are most often seen in diabetic or older cats and causes clouding of the lens inside the eye. Surgery is the only treatment.
Cats with high blood pressure (hypertension) may go blind suddenly. Symptoms include blood in your cat's eyeball or dilated pupils. This is an emergency and should your cat suddenly go blind take them to your veterinarian or an emergency clinic immediately.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is not very common in cats. PRA causes the retina to shrink. It is slow acting but untreatable and will lead to total blindness. The most usual cause of PRA is a taurine deficiency. Taurine is added to all commercial cat foods but if you make your own cat food, make sure to give your cat 500 milligrams of taurine daily. Organ meats are an excellent source of taurine.
Older cats that have spent many years in the sun and white cats can develop eyelid tumors. These can usually been seen with the naked eye. Surgery, radiation and chemotherapy are treatments used by many vets.
Cat eye care is an important part of caring for your pet. It is extremely easy to check your cat's eye health and monitor for infections daily. If you should notice any changes to your cat's eyes, a visit to your vet will give you a proper diagnosis and early detection can help avoid any further problems or complications.