Understanding Common Cat Eye Problems
If you share your home with a cat, you've probably noticed how expressive their eyes can be. But those beautiful eyes are also vulnerable to a range of health issues. Recognizing the signs early and knowing what to look for can make all the difference in preserving your cat’s vision and comfort.
Recognizing Symptoms of Eye Problems
Cats are masters at hiding discomfort, so subtle changes may be your first clue that something’s wrong. Watch for:
- Redness or swelling around the eyes
- Discharge (watery, thick, or colored)
- Squinting or excessive blinking
- Cloudiness or changes in eye color
- Pawing at the eyes
- A visible third eyelid
If you notice any of these symptoms—especially if they persist—it's time to consult your veterinarian. Untreated eye issues can quickly lead to pain or even permanent vision loss.
Frequent Feline Eye Conditions
- Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye): This is inflammation of the conjunctiva (the pink lining inside the eyelids). Causes range from bacterial and viral infections (like feline herpesvirus-1) to allergies. Look for red, swollen eyes with watery or thick discharge. Treatment depends on the cause but often involves medicated drops.
- Corneal Ulcers: These are open sores on the clear outer layer of the eye caused by trauma (scratches), infections, eyelid disorders such as entropion, or chronic dry eye. Signs include severe pain, squinting, cloudiness, and discharge. Mild ulcers respond to antibiotics; deeper ones might need surgery.
- Cataracts: Clouding of the lens leads to impaired vision or blindness. Causes include aging, genetics, diabetes, trauma, or inflammation. You’ll notice a milky film over the pupil. Surgery is sometimes an option.
- Glaucoma: Increased pressure inside the eye causes pain and can result in blindness if untreated. Symptoms: bulging eyeball, redness, cloudiness, tearing, sudden blindness. Treatment aims to lower pressure with medication; advanced cases may need surgery.
- Retinal Disorders: The retina can detach (often due to high blood pressure in older cats), leading to sudden blindness and dilated pupils. Other retinal diseases include progressive degeneration and those linked to nutritional deficiencies.
- Uveitis: Inflammation of the uvea (middle layer of the eye) comes from systemic infections (like feline leukemia virus), immune disease, trauma, or cancer. Look for redness, pain, cloudiness, tearing—sometimes leading to more serious complications like cataracts or glaucoma.
- Feline Herpesvirus (FHV-1): A major culprit behind recurring conjunctivitis and corneal ulcers; it’s highly contagious and flares up during stress. Symptoms often include sneezing and nasal discharge along with red swollen eyes.
- Corneal Sequestrum: Most common in Persian and Himalayan cats; appears as a dark spot on the cornea due to dead tissue. It causes tearing and squinting—surgery is usually needed.
- Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (Dry Eye): Reduced tear production leaves eyes dry and irritated; sticky discharge may appear as well. Artificial tears and medications help stimulate tear production.
- Epiphora: The opposite problem: excessive tearing causes constant wetness around the eyes—often seen in flat-faced breeds due to shallow sockets or blocked tear ducts.
- Eyelid Defects:
- Entropion: Eyelids roll inward; lashes rub against cornea causing irritation and sometimes ulcers—usually corrected surgically.
- Ectopic Cilia & Eyelid Masses: Abnormal eyelashes grow toward the eye causing irritation; tumors are rare but may require removal if present.
- Eosinophilic Keratoconjunctivitis: Chronic inflammation linked with allergies or herpesvirus; requires lifelong management with drops.
- Anterior Uveitis & Follicular Conjunctivitis:
- Anterior Uveitis: Inflammation at front of eye from infection/immune disease/cancer—causes squinting and cloudiness.
- Follicular Conjunctivitis: Raised bumps on conjunctiva from infection/allergy; managed with antivirals/antibiotics/anti-inflammatories as needed.
Lesser-Known but Notable Issues
- Exophthalmos: Bulging outward due to mass behind eyeball.
- Enophthalmos: Sunken eyeball from volume loss/dehydration.
Caring for Your Cat’s Eyes
You can help keep your cat's eyes healthy by observing them regularly for any changes—don’t ignore even mild symptoms! Gently wipe away discharge using a clean damp cotton ball (avoid direct contact with the eyeball itself). Reduce exposure to irritants like dust or smoke and minimize fighting opportunities that could lead to trauma. Keeping cats indoors helps prevent many infectious diseases and injuries as well.
Your vet should check your cat’s eyes during regular exams—but seek immediate care if you see signs like severe pain (constant squinting/pawing), sudden vision changes/blindness, persistent cloudiness/discharge that won’t clear up after gentle cleaning—or if one eye looks bigger/smaller than usual. Many conditions worsen quickly without prompt treatment!
