Eye problems in cats: common eye issues | Cats Protection (2024)

FAQs

Eye problems in cats: common eye issues | Cats Protection? ›

Common eye problems in cats

Cats can develop a special type of keratitis and conjunctivitis that is called eosinophilic keratoconjunctivitis. This disease is named after the type of inflammatory cell that is observed in the disease tissue. Signs of eosinophilic keratoconjunctivitis include tearing, squinting, redness, and cloudiness.

Cherry eye or prolapsed third eyelid (nictitating membrane) is a relatively uncommon condition compared to dogs although it can occur in cats. This occurs when the third eyelid is persistently elevated in the corner of the eye.

Conjunctivitis, the most common of all feline eye disorders, is an inflammation of the thin mucous membrane (conjunctiva) that lines the inner surface of a cat's eyelids and coats the outer surface of the eyeball. Many cats will experience at least a mild episode of the condition at some point in their lives.

Flush the eye with a sterile eye wash or tap water using a syringe. This is often enough to dislodge a foreign body. If it cannot be dislodged, apply copious amounts of a sterile water based eye lubricant or gel, then repeat the flush.

“Look for changes in the color of the iris, for example, or see if the eye seems to be cloudy or if the cat's two pupils appear to differ from one another,” he advises. “Such changes can reveal a problem before it progresses to an irreversible stage.”

Haw's syndrome is a relatively common problem in cats. It is a condition where both third eyelids protrude (or prolapse). Protrusion of the third eyelids can occur for many reasons in cats. When it has a sudden onset, and is associated with diarrhea or other gut conditions, it is called Haw's syndrome.

Feline herpesvirus conjunctivitis is a form of primary conjunctivitis caused by the highly infectious feline herpesvirus (FHV-1). Herpesvirus infection is the most common cause of conjunctivitis in cats. Usually, herpesvirus conjunctivitis is self-limiting and will resolve within two weeks.

Lenticular sclerosis or nuclear sclerosis is the medical term for a bluish, transparent haze that develops in the lens of the eye in middle-aged to senior cats. It is considered a normal change in the lens associated with aging and is observed as a cloudiness or bluish discoloration on the pupil.

Horner's syndrome is a common neurological disorder of the eye and facial muscles, caused by dysfunction of the sympathetic nervous system. The condition usually occurs suddenly and typically affects one side of the head but can be bilateral (affect both sides of the head) in rare cases.

What is chemosis in cats? ›

Swelling of Conjunctival Tissue (Chemosis)

Swelling of the conjunctival tissue around the cornea occurs to some degree with all cases of conjunctivitis, but the most dramatic examples are seen with trauma, a deficiency of proteins in the blood (hypoproteinemia), allergic reactions, and insect bites.

Ulcerative keratitis is inflammation most commonly associated with the surface layer - the corneal epithelium - causing an erosion (destruction) of the surface tissue. If it progresses into the deeper tissue (the corneal stoma) it is then called a corneal ulcer.

Cherry eye is a rare eye condition in cats. It appears as a smooth pink or red swelling in the inside corner of the eye. When cherry eye happens in cats, it's most likely in Burmese or Persian cats. Cherry eye often looks worse than it is. The swelling is a tear gland that's popped out in the wrong place.

Although these infections are usually mild and self-limiting, infected cats remain carriers of the virus and may have intermittent relapses. Treatment may not be required for mild cases. Antibiotics are often used for secondary bacterial infection. Antiviral medications are used in severe or poorly responsive cases.

First up, it's always a good idea to make sure you clean away any mucus or build-up around your cat's eyes. Serious infections are often caused by bacteria that grow on this mucus. Gently wipe this away with a soft cloth and warm water, or you could use vet approved sterile eyewash or wipes to keep the area clean.

The name “cat eye syndrome” is derived from a distinctive eye (ocular) abnormality that is present in a little over half affected individuals. This defect, known as a coloboma, usually appears as a cleft or gap in the iris below the pupil, and the elongated pupil therefore resembles the appearance of a cat's eye.

The white of the eye (sclera) looks red or bloodshot and swollen. The cornea or clear part of the eye may become cloudy or bluish in color. One or both pupils may be dilated. Blindness.

Signs Of Cataracts In Cats

“Your cat's eyes may appear cloudy, whitish, or bluish, especially in the area of the pupil,” Dr. Sperry says. The cloudiness can appear in only part of the eye or the whole eye. It can also affect one or both eyes.

A typical detached retina resembles boat sails billowing toward the observer, held in place by its permanent attachments. Partial detachments can be more difficult to see as they can cause small slightly raised areas with decreased reflectivity (light shining back at the observer).