Cat Eye Illnesses

According to the website VetInfo, most cat eye illnesses or diseases are caused by viral or bacterial infections, allergens or physical trauma. Many cat eye problems are symptoms of a greater health problem, such as potentially deadly viruses or other infections. In order to prevent serious and permanent damage, medical attention is often necessary (ref 2). General symptoms to watch for include eye inflammation, discharge, redness and loss of vision (ref 1).

  1. Glaucoma

    • Glaucoma occurs when eye fluid is produced faster than it can be removed, causing increased pressure within the eye. Though differing symptoms are reported, common signs include squinting, excessive tearing, swelling, avoiding light (ref 1), redness, larger than normal eyes, insensitivity to light and blindness (ref 2). In severe cases, the eye may need to be removed (ref 1).

    Cataracts

    • A full cataract produces a lens that appears completely white with a hint of yellow, and generally causes blindness. Partial cataracts produce similar but lesser symptoms (ref 1). Though some cats have a genetic predisposition for cataracts, they can also be caused by eye trauma, eye abnormalities (ref 2), old age and diabetes. Cataracts can be surgically removed (ref 1).

    Corneal Injuries

    • These eye ailments are caused by infections or injuries and include corneal ulcers (ref 1), which are holes or abrasions in one or more layers of the cornea (ref 2). Symptoms of corneal injuries include swelling, cloudy corneas (ref 1), squinting, crying out in pain, redness and frequent pawing of the face (ref 2). Viral damage can lead to sticky conjunctivitis, in which the eyelid becomes glued shut. Antibiotics and/or surgery may be necessary (ref 1).

    Blocked Tear Ducts

    • Blocked tear ducts, or stenosis of the nasolacrimal ducts, can be caused by chronic infection of the tear ducts, scarring, blockage due to a small lodged object, or a birth defect. Symptoms include excessive tearing, and blockages can be cleared by a vet using a nasolacrimal probe. Antibiotics may be necessary to clear infections (ref 1).

    Retinal Disorders

    • Retinal disorders include progressive retinal atrophy, an inherited condition in which the retinas deteriorate, and detachment of the retina due to trauma or disease. Laser surgery can usually correct detached retinas (ref 1).

    Dislodged Lenses

    • Lenses can partially or completely change positions within the eye. This can be caused by physical trauma, inflammation, glaucoma or old age, and surgery can usually correct them (ref 1).

    Hypertension

    • Hypertension, or high blood pressure, can cause sudden blindness in cats. Most cats with hypertension will display few symptoms before such a dramatic one, which may include insensitivity to light, dilation of the pupils and changes in eye color. Treating the hypertension will help correct these problems (ref 2).