by Debra Frank

Created on: February 12, 2009   Last Updated: February 17, 2009

Common eye and vision conditions in cats

Feline eye problems are similar to human eye problems, although diagnosis and treatment can be bit more complicated because of the language barrier. If you do not possess the abilities of Dr. Doolittle, knowing more about cat eye ailments is important for your pet's vision.

Possible cat eye problems include:

* Conjunctivitis. The medical term for the inflammation of the pink lining of the eye. This problem is usually caused by a cat eye infection.

* Retinal atrophy. Often caused by an untreated underlying illness such as high blood pressure, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, or kidney disease, it may result in blindness.

* Glaucoma. This is increased pressure in the eye and can lead to blindness without prompt treatment.

* Iris Melanoma. This is a malignant cancer of the eye that requires removal of the eye.

* Cataracts. Cataracts occur when the normal clear lens of the eye becomes opaque resulting in decreased vision or blindness.

Signs, symptoms and treatment of cat eye ailments

Cat eye health is dependant on a feline's human friend recognizing trouble signs. Seeking prompt veterinary cat eye care may save your pet's vision. The veterinarian may even advise a visit to a veterinary opthamologist. The following are some of the signs of feline eye problems that require professional attention.

* Squinting with discharge and/or matting. Although not the only possible cause, this could be as sign of conjunctivitis. The cat may also have enlarged blood vessels in the eyes. Conjunctivitis is frequently caused by the Feline Herpes Virus. An estimated 90% of cats are infected with this virus and this virus is harbored in their system for their lifetime and conjunctivitis may recur. Other common causes of feline conjunctivitis are Chlamydia and Mycoplasma. Most often treatment includes an antibiotic eye ointment. This will not cure viral infections but will lubricate eyes and prevent secondary bacterial infections. For Steroidal and antiviral treatments may be necessary as well. Ignoring an episode of conjunctivitis may result in permanent vision impairment.

* Milky or bluish discoloration of the clear part of the eye. This is a sign of cataracts, but may be caused by a condition called nuclear lenticular sclerosis, which is seen in cats past the age of 10 and usually does not cause damage affecting vision. Cataracts may require surgery the clouded lens. Cat's that have this type of surgery require extra care for a few weeks after surgery including frequent eye drops and an Elizabethan collar to prevent injury to the surgical eye.

* A discolored area in the colored part of the eye. This is called melanosis. It needs to be evaluated by the vet to ensure that the cat does not have an iris melanoma, or cancer of the iris of the eye. If the veterinary determines it is not cancerous, he will monitor it yearly for changes, much like moles are monitored on people. If it is a feline iris melanoma, removal of the eye will be necessary.

* Unequal pupil sizes. There can be many conditions that cause this, some of which that can be quite serious. Prompt treatment of the underlying cause may prevent permanent blindness.

* Excessive clumsiness. This may be a sign of visual impairment or blindness. Because of a cat's acute hearing, smell, sensory advantages such as whiskers, declining visual ability may not be detected immediately. Prompt treatment of the underlying health problem is required. Cat's that are entirely blind function well indoors as long as their human friends do not move furniture, the environment is kept obstacle free, and essentials such as food, water and litter box remain in the same place.

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