Keeping Your Cat’s Eyes in Purr-fect Health

Your cat’s eyes do more than just capture the world around them—they help them stalk, pounce, and play with precision! But just like humans, cats can develop eye problems that may affect their vision and overall well-being. Some issues can be subtle, making early detection crucial.

At Stack Veterinary Hospital in Syracuse, we’re dedicated to helping you protect your cat’s eyesight with expert care and education. In this guide, we’ll explore common feline eye conditions, signs of trouble, and when it’s time to seek veterinary care.

Recognizing Common Eye Issues in Cats

Cats can face numerous eye problems, which, if untreated, might lead to more severe health complications. Key symptoms to watch for include:

  • Redness or Inflammation: This may indicate anything from mild irritation to an infection.
  • Swelling Around the Eyes: Could be a sign of an allergy, infection, or underlying systemic illness.
  • Unusual Discharge: Clear, yellow, or green discharge can signify various levels of infection or irritation.
  • Frequent Blinking or Squinting: Suggests discomfort or pain, potentially from a foreign object, corneal ulcer, or uveitis.
  • Cloudiness or Change in Eye Color: May be due to cataracts, glaucoma, or other vision-threatening conditions.

Early recognition of these signs is crucial for effective treatment. If you notice any of these symptoms, prompt veterinary care is essential.

Common Eye Conditions in Cats

Cats can experience a variety of eye problems, some of which are minor and easily treatable, while others can be severe and require urgent veterinary intervention. Below are some of the most common feline eye conditions, their causes, symptoms, and treatment options.

1. Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)

Conjunctivitis is the inflammation of the conjunctiva, the membrane covering the eyelids and the eye’s outer surface. It is one of the most common feline eye disorders and can have several causes, including:

  • Bacterial Infections: Commonly caused by Chlamydophila felis or Mycoplasma
  • Viral Infections: Feline herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1) is a leading viral cause.
  • Allergies and Environmental Irritants: Smoke, dust, or pollen can trigger inflammation.

Symptoms

  • Red, swollen eyes
  • Watery or thick discharge (clear, yellow, or green)
  • Squinting or excessive blinking
  • Rubbing the eyes with paws

Treatment

Treatment depends on the underlying cause:

  • Bacterial Conjunctivitis: Antibiotic eye drops or ointments.
  • Viral Conjunctivitis: Antiviral medications (e.g., famciclovir).
  • Allergy-Induced Conjunctivitis: Removal of allergens, anti-inflammatory drops.

If untreated, conjunctivitis can lead to chronic discomfort and potential vision impairment.

2. Corneal Ulcers

Corneal ulcers occur when the cornea, the eye’s clear outer layer, becomes damaged. These ulcers can range from mild to deep, and without prompt treatment, they may lead to serious complications, including blindness or eye loss.

Causes

  • Trauma (e.g., scratches from other animals, foreign objects)
  • Infections (bacterial, viral, or fungal)
  • Chronic dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca)
  • Eyelid disorders (entropion, ectopic cilia)

Symptoms

  • Severe eye pain (excessive squinting and rubbing)
  • Cloudiness or a bluish tint in the cornea
  • Redness and swelling
  • Discharge from the eye

Treatment

  • Mild Ulcers: Antibiotic drops and pain relievers.
  • Severe Ulcers: Surgical intervention, such as a conjunctival graft.

For more details, visit: A Pet Owner’s Guide to Corneal Ulcers.

3. Cataracts

Cataracts occur when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, obstructing vision. While cataracts are more common in dogs, cats can develop them due to aging, genetic predisposition, or underlying diseases.

Causes

  • Aging (senile cataracts)
  • Diabetes mellitus
  • Eye trauma or inflammation (uveitis)
  • Genetic predisposition

Symptoms

  • A milky or white film over the pupil
  • Impaired vision or sudden blindness
  • Difficulty navigating in dim lighting

Treatment

  • Surgery (phacoemulsification) is the only effective treatment for restoring vision.
  • In cases where surgery is not an option, anti-inflammatory medications can help manage secondary complications.

4. Feline Herpesvirus (FHV-1)

FHV-1 is a highly contagious virus that affects the eyes and respiratory system. It is one of the most common causes of eye problems in cats, leading to recurring episodes of conjunctivitis and corneal ulcers.

Symptoms

  • Chronic eye discharge (clear or mucus-like)
  • Swollen, red eyes
  • Corneal ulcers that may not heal completely
  • Frequent flare-ups during stress or illness

Treatment

  • Antiviral medications (e.g., famciclovir)
  • L-lysine supplements to help suppress viral replication
  • Supportive care, including lubricating eye drops

5. Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a condition characterized by increased pressure inside the eye, which can lead to pain and permanent vision loss if not treated promptly.

Causes

  • Primary Glaucoma: Genetic predisposition, though rare in cats.
  • Secondary Glaucoma: Caused by uveitis, tumors, trauma, or lens luxation.

Symptoms

  • Bulging or enlarged eyeball
  • Excessive tearing and discharge
  • Redness and cloudiness in the eye
  • Sudden blindness

Treatment

  • Medications to reduce intraocular pressure (eye drops, systemic drugs)
  • Surgery in advanced cases (laser therapy or eye removal for pain relief)

6. Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (Dry Eye)

Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), or dry eye, occurs when tear production is insufficient, leading to irritation, inflammation, and possible corneal damage.

Symptoms

  • Thick, sticky discharge
  • Red, irritated eyes
  • Cloudy cornea
  • Frequent blinking or squinting

Treatment

  • Artificial tear supplements
  • Immunosuppressive medications (cyclosporine, tacrolimus)
  • Regular eye lubrication

7. Entropion

Entropion is a condition where the eyelid rolls inward, causing the eyelashes or fur to rub against the cornea, leading to irritation and potential ulcers.

Causes

  • Congenital (hereditary, seen in breeds like Persians)
  • Secondary to chronic inflammation or eye injury

Symptoms

  • Squinting and excessive tearing
  • Red, irritated eyes
  • Corneal ulcers from constant friction

Treatment

  • Mild cases: Temporary eyelid tacking to reposition the eyelid.
  • Severe cases: Surgical correction to reshape the eyelid.

8. Ectopic Cilia

Ectopic cilia are abnormal eyelashes that grow from the inside of the eyelid, rubbing against the cornea and causing irritation.

Symptoms

  • Severe blinking and squinting
  • Corneal ulcers
  • Watery discharge

Treatment

  • Cryotherapy or laser surgery to remove the misplaced eyelashes.

9. Foreign Bodies & Grass Awns

Foreign objects, such as dust, debris, or grass awns, can become lodged in a cat’s eye, causing irritation and infection.

Symptoms

  • Excessive blinking and squinting
  • Tearing and discharge
  • Pawing at the eye

Treatment

  • Flushing the eye with sterile saline solution
  • Manual removal by a veterinarian
  • Antibiotic drops to prevent infection

10. Uveitis

Uveitis is inflammation of the uvea (the middle layer of the eye) and is a serious condition that can lead to blindness if untreated.

Causes

  • Infections (feline leukemia virus, FIP, toxoplasmosis)
  • Trauma or autoimmune diseases
  • Systemic conditions (cancer, high blood pressure)

Symptoms

  • Pain (squinting, sensitivity to light)
  • Redness and cloudiness
  • Decreased vision or dilated pupils

Treatment

  • Anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive medications
  • Addressing underlying causes (antibiotics, antifungals, or chemotherapy)

These are just some of the many eye conditions that can affect cats. Recognizing symptoms early and seeking veterinary care is crucial for preserving your cat’s vision and overall well-being. Learn more about feline eye health from the ACVO website.

Preventative Measures and Treatment Options

Routine Eye Care for Cats

Maintaining eye health involves regular check-ups and proactive measures. Here are some tips:

  • Schedule Regular Veterinary Exams: Early detection through routine check-ups can prevent minor issues from becoming serious.
  • Keep Your Cat’s Face Clean: Regularly wipe away any debris or discharge with a damp cloth, being careful not to irritate the eye.
  • Monitor for Changes: Be vigilant about any changes in your cat’s eye appearance or behavior that could signal problems.

Our Wellness Care programs are designed to keep your pet’s eyes and overall health in check.

When to Seek Veterinary Help

If your cat shows any signs of eye discomfort, seek professional help immediately. Emergency symptoms include:

  • Sudden severe redness, swelling, or discharge
  • Inability to open the eye
  • Cloudiness or visible changes in the eye
  • Noticeable pain (rubbing the eye, excessive squinting)
  • Sudden vision loss

Early intervention can prevent serious complications, such as permanent vision loss. For urgent needs, go to your nearest emergency clinic or visit our Contact page and Emergency Resources pages for direction.

Maintaining Your Cat’s Eye Health

At Stack Veterinary Hospital, we are your partner in keeping your cat healthy and happy. Recognizing and treating eye conditions early is critical for preventing serious health issues.

Visit us for regular eye examinations and any concerns you might have about your cat’s eye health. Together, we can ensure your cat sees a bright and healthy future.

Visit our Request Appointment page to schedule your visit.