Cats' Cataracts in Eyes

Eye lenses transmit and focus light onto the retina in the back of the eye. The normal lens in a cat's eye is clear. When the lens becomes opaque, a cataract has formed and vision can be blocked. There are many causes for cataracts in cats, and treatment is directed toward the underlying cause.

  1. Identification

    • Cats that develop cataracts tend to bump into objects and hesitate before climbing stairs or jumping onto furniture. Eyes can become red and inflamed or turn a cloudy white, gray or bluish color. Cats developing cataracts may squint and be uncomfortable in unfamiliar surroundings.

    Causes

    • The main cause of cataracts in cats is inflamed tissue around and behind the pupil of the eye called anterior uveitis. This usually develops from an illness such as feline leukemia, diabetes, kidney disease or viruses. Eye damage from a scratch or puncture can cause a cataract to form in the injured area. Being exposed to toxic agents or not getting the proper nutrition when eyes are developing can cause cataracts. Other causes: old age, lens displacement, retinal disease, heredity, radiation therapy, metabolic disease and electrocution.

    Tests

    • A veterinarian must take a medical history, perform a physical examination and a complete eye exam that may include an ultrasound. Blood tests are taken to find underlying causes. If the retina is blocked, the vet may test retinal function with an electroretinogram. Veterinarians may refer a cat to a veterinary ophthalmologist.

    Treatment

    • There is no medical treatment to reverse, shrink or prevent cataracts. Veterinarians can only treat the underlying causes, like treating inflammation in the eye with antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medication. If there is no inflammation in the eye, some cataracts can be surgically removed.

    Considerations

    • An underlying disease must be treated immediately before it causes more damage or even death. Cats between the ages of 3 and 18 have a 90 percent chance of having their sight restored with surgery. Following surgery, your cat will have to wear a protective collar until healed, and you will have to place drops in the eye several times a day.