Persian Cat Eye Problems

Tear Duct Overflow

• The overproduction or improper draining of tears can be caused by partial closure of tear drainage openings, increased kinking of drainage ducts in the nose, wicking of tears onto the hairs that grow in the crease where the eyelids meet, abnormally small tear duct openings and a shallow tear lake at the inner corner of the eye. The symptoms include watery discharge, tear staining, an accumulation of dried discharge along the edges of the eyelids and irritation of the skin below the eyes or around the nose. Tear duct overflow is often a symptom of irritation, flu or Chlamydia, which causes conjunctivitis.

Conjunctivitis

• Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the lining of the eyelids. Conjunctivitis can extend to the cornea and cause visual impairment or blindness in kittens. Conjunctivitis may cause swelling and reddening of the eye; the third eyelid may be visible. The discharge is either watery and runny, or thick and greenish yellow. Irritation causes conjunctivitis. Foreign bodies such as sand, dirt, long clumps of hair rubbing the eye or aberrant hairs growing inside the eyelid can cause irritation; checking for hairs inside the eyelid will require a veterinarian, as the cat needs to be under general anesthetic.

  A fight with another cat that leads to a puncture wound in the eye or eyelid is another cause of conjunctivitis. The damage may be apparent and will usually heal well if supported with antibiotics. If the damage is serious, it may require surgery. Have any injury checked by your veterinarian.

Retinal Degeneration or Detachment

• Generalized degeneration of the retina causes the retina to appear bright. The blood vessels in the retina become finer, and in advanced cases are barely visible. The retina can detach from the underlying tissue if there is a leak or overproduction of fluids between the layers, or if there is bleeding. High blood pressure resulting from kidney failure, or an overactive thyroid can cause retinal degeneration.

  A detached retina is serious; there is little hope of restoring sight. It may seem the cat has gone blind, its pupils are massively dilated and the normally smooth, concave surface of the eye is full of billowing folds of retina.

Glaucoma

• Glaucoma is an increase of pressure inside the eye. There may be no symptoms or the cat may be increasingly sensitive to light, the eye may be bloodshot and look enlarged or swollen. Persians are prone to glaucoma, so have them regularly screened by a veterinarian.

Uveitis

• Uveitis is usually found along with, or caused by, viruses, parasites or cancer. Symptoms include frequent squinting or blinking, thin discharge, increased sensitivity to light, the eye may swell and redden or become cloudy and dull. The third eyelid may be visible. This condition must be treated by a veterinarian.