Aside from perfecting the art of sustaining soulful glances, loving stares, and unfathomable gazes, there is a wealth of information about cat eye ailments and general health to be gleaned from looking into the eyes of your cat.
Cat eye health, or feline ophthalmology, is especially challenging because, in general, cats fall prey to diseases particular to cats and tend to have their own unique responses to illness.
Pupils of a cat's eye react to light just as our pupils open to catch lower light and become smaller when light is more intense. Normally, both pupils are the same size, and pupils of different sizes might indicate a number of feline eye problems that should be brought to the attention of a veterinarian.
COMMON EYE AND VISION CONDITIONS IN CATS
* Untreated feline hypertension is the greatest cause of "sudden blindness" in cats. Hypertension accompanies diabetes, hyperthroidism, and kidney disease. Dilated pupils that do not respond to light and the appearance of blood in the eye are two early symptoms that might not be masked by symptoms of the disease itself. Currently, the best treatment of sudden blindness is treatment of the underlying condition.
* Horner's syndrome is a group of signs that occur when muscles of the face are not stimulated by certain nerves. This is usually the result of an accident, tumor, or a foreign body. These signs might also appear as the result of treatment (for example, ear cleaning) or medication. Look for small pupil size, protrusion of the third eyelid, droopy upper eyelid, and a sunken appearance of the eye. There are eye drops to ease discomfort, but the underlying cause of the syndrome must be identified and treated.
* Any eye injury generates an emergency and requires the immediate attention of a veterinarian.
* Feline Leukemia may be contracted by prenatal kittens or at any stage of a cat's life. Because of a compromised immune system, an infected cat is vulnerable to a variety of eye conditions.
* Tumors seen in cats include melanoma and growths on the eyelid. They might arise at any time during the life of the cat.
* Progressive Retinal Atrophy is a genetic condition that acts slowly but eventually results in blindness. Onset may occur as early as five weeks of age, but many cats seem to adjust to this gradual loss of sight and lead successful and happy lives.
*Conjunctivitis, or viral cat eye infection, is an inflammation of the pink membrane lining the eyelid. A likely cause is the herpes virus, which is recurring and requires regular, on-going veterinary attention. Chlamydia and mycoplasma also cause conjunctivitis, and more than one organism might be present at the same time. Stress is also a key causative factor.
* Cataracts - (opacity of the lens) if left untreated can lead to glaucoma. Cataracts are relatively rare in cats, and most often occur when a cat is older, but can be present at any age. It is important to identify and treat the underlying cause of cataracts. Surgery and lens' implants are used where indicated.
* Glaucoma - (Increased pressure within the eye) is often a cause of blindness. There are indications of a genetic predisposition to glaucoma. Early treatment with medication is effective, but surgery and hospitalization are sometimes indicated.
* Cataracts, glaucoma, and conjunctivitis are conditions that cats share with humans. In fact, conjunctivitis, or pinkeye, if caused by Chlamydia bacteria, can be contagious from cats to humans.
* Dry eye syndrome results when cats do not produce enough tears to properly lubricate the eyes. This condition is often seen in cats who are subjected to dust, air pollution, or excess dirt in the air. It may occur at any time of life and should be treated with medication. The underlying cause must also be identified and removed to whatever extent possible.
* The inner or third eyelid, or nictating membrane, protects the eye from damage and dryness. This eyelid is not evident until there is a cat eye problem or a problem of general health. When Kitty is very sick or very happy this nictating membrane will exhibit as an indication that something is amiss. It could be an indication of worm infection, liver disease, fever, or another problem.
WHEN YOUR CAT HAS VISION PROBLEMS
Whether vision problems are temporary or permanent, keep the routine of the home as near normal as possible. The food and drink, bed, litter box, toys and "kitty's things" should remain in their normal places. Avoid moving the furniture or creating unfamiliar obstructions. Warn kitty when you approach by speaking or making a sound that kitty can hear but does not startle.
Relax, help kitty relax, and develop the caring and loving relationship that can only benefit everybody involved.