Cats are by nature very clean pets, and they tend to groom and look after themselves in an excellent way. This means that eye problems are usually easily noticeable as one or both eyes can appear dirtier (due to accumulation of discharge), more weepy or painful, changing their behaviour and normal day-to-day routine.
7 eye problems you need to be aware of in cats
Cats can occasionally suffer from eye conditions, although feline eye problems and conditions, thankfully, are not very frequent. The most common eye issues and diseases we encounter at our clinic have to do with:
- Corneal ulcers
- Corneal sequestrum
- Eosinophilic keratitis
- Uveitis
- Glaucoma
- Changes to the colour of the iris
- Entropion
1. Corneal ulcers
A corneal ulcer is a “wound” affecting the most superficial part of the eye, the cornea. The ulcers can range from superficial to deep or complicated ones. Depending on the severity of the problem, medical or surgical options might have to be considered to treat the problem.
Corneal ulcers can develop because of trauma, injury or in some cases due to infectious conditions, like feline herpes virus.
2. Corneal sequestrum
A corneal sequestrum develops, in most cases, after a long-standing corneal ulcer. Cats suffering from persistent or recurrent ulceration are prone to develop a “necrotic” dark area over the ulcer, which is the area referred to as sequestrum.
Certain breeds of cats, such as Persian, Siamese, Burmese or Sphynx cats tend to be more predisposed to development of corneal sequestrums. In the majority of cases, corneal sequestrums require surgical removal.
3. Eosinophilic keratitis
A condition which is presumed to be associated with problems of the immune system, causes accumulation of white material over the cat’s cornea. Although this condition is not painful, it can lead to clouding of the eye and increased discharge around the eyelids, in addition to impaired vision.
4. Uveitis
Uveitis is the term to describe inflammation of the eye. Uveitis is a condition that affects many cats worldwide and can be associated with a variety of conditions, such as feline coronavirus, feline leukemia virus, feline infectious peritonitis, toxoplasmosis, feline immunodeficiency virus and certain types of cancers, among other conditions.
In a high proportion of cats, an underlying causative factor is not found after exhaustive tests and the disease is assumed to be associated with a problem of the immune system. Uveitis is a long-standing condition which, if not treated targeted and effectively, can lead to blindness.
5. Glaucoma
Glaucoma, is the medical term used to describe the increased pressure in the eye(s). Glaucoma is usually the consequence of long-standing, uncontrolled uveitis in cats. However, in certain breeds it can develop secondary to a hereditary predisposition.
6. Changes in the colour of the iris
The iris is the coloured part of the eye. Cats have a large variation in the colour of the iris, ranging from green to yellow and blue. Certain conditions, like feline melanosis (a benign change in the colour of the eye), feline diffuse iris melanoma (a malignant change which is associated with a type of cancer) or uveitis can all lead to darkening and changes in the appearance of the iris. Gradual or sudden changes in the colour of the eye are concerning and should be discussed with your vets.
7. Entropion
Entropion is the medical term used to describe the inward rolling of the eyelid hair and skin, leading to constant irritation and weeping of the eye(s). Usually seen in very young or elderly cats but any cat of any age can be affected by this condition.
What can you do?
Most of the conditions discussed above are difficult to diagnose or treat at home. If your cat is showing signs of discomfort, irritation or weeping of the eye(s) it is important to seek veterinary advice.
Cats who are in discomfort tend to become more withdrawn, hide in dark places and become less interested in going out or playing. Neglecting early signs of a problem can unfortunately lead to a more serious condition and even affect their sight permanently, so it is important to act preventatively and get your cat checked at your local vets.
If further tests are needed, your vet might recommend an assessment by a veterinary ophthalmologist to get to the bottom line of the problem.
Concerned about your cat’s eyes?
If your pet experiences one or more of the symptoms above, we are here for you. Request an appointment and get in touch with one of our specialised ophthalmologists.
Also, feel free to explore our prices. Your pet’s health is in good hands!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do viral infections lead to long-term eye problems in cats?
Most viral infections never go away completely. The best example is feline herpes virus which, as it happens with herpes in humans, remains inactive and flares up only in stressful situations, leading to problems in a cats eyes and possibly affecting their respiratory tract as well
2. How can I prevent common eye issues in my cat?
General ocular hygiene, avoiding fights with aggressive neighboring cats or cats in the same household and ensuring that, if you are rehoming a kitten or a cat, they do not carry any underlying eye conditions are the best prevention mechanisms.