When to Take Your Cat to the Vet for a Red Eye
Red eyes in cats can result from various causes, from mild irritants to serious medical conditions. Recognizing signs that require prompt veterinary attention is crucial for protecting your feline friend’s health.
Common Causes of Red Eyes in Cats
- Conjunctivitis (pink eye): Inflammation of the conjunctiva caused by viruses, bacteria, allergens, or irritants. Common symptoms include discharge, squinting, and frequent blinking.
- Corneal Injuries: Scratches or ulcers from trauma or foreign objects cause increased tearing and redness.
- Eye Infections: Often bacterial or viral, these may present with discharge, redness, sneezing, and lethargy.
- Allergies: Allergens like dust, pollen, or mold can lead to red, itchy, and watery eyes.
- Irritants: Smoke, chemicals, or perfumes may irritate eyes, causing redness.
- Glaucoma: Elevated intraocular pressure can damage the eye and lead to redness, cloudiness, and vision issues. Requires immediate care.
- Uveitis: Inflammation of middle eye structures due to infection, injury, or systemic diseases. Causes include tearing, light sensitivity, and iris discoloration.
- Dry Eye (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca): Caused by insufficient tear production leading to thick, sticky discharge and redness.
- Trauma: Injuries from play or fights can inflame or damage the eye.
- Foreign Bodies: Particles like grass or dust can irritate the eye and cause redness.
Symptoms Requiring Vet Attention
If your cat shows any of the following symptoms alongside a red eye, consult a vet:
- Persistent or worsening redness
- Swelling around the eye
- Excessive or colored discharge (yellow, green, or bloody)
- Inability to open the eye
- Squinting or blinking excessively
- Pain or behavioral changes
- Cloudy appearance or vision issues
Diagnostic Approach
Vets typically perform comprehensive exams including:
- Visual eye examination
- Fluorescein staining to detect corneal damage
- Assessment of tear production
- Intraocular pressure testing
- Blood tests and imaging if systemic illness is suspected
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on diagnosis and may include:
- Antibiotic or antiviral eye drops
- Topical steroids for inflammation
- Oral medications for infections or pain
- Irrigation or surgical removal of foreign bodies
- Environmental adjustments to reduce allergens
- Quarantine if highly infectious and multiple cats are at risk
Important: Do not use human eye drops or old medications. Only use what your vet prescribes to avoid toxic reactions.
Prevention and Monitoring
- Regularly check your cat’s eyes in good light
- Look for signs like pupil changes, cloudiness, tearing
- Maintain routine vaccinations
- Minimize exposure to irritants/allergens
- Promptly address early warning signs with a vet visit
Monitoring helps prevent complications such as vision loss, ensuring your cat lives a healthy, comfortable life.
