Cat Eye Problems

There are many cat eye problems. This article will help you identify some of the most common eye problems in cats. It will also give you several tips to help you prevent them.

If not treated, lesser feline eye problems may become quite serious. So it is important to check you cat’s eyes on a regular basis and be on the look out for any sudden changes.

Common eye problems in cats

The following is a list of common feline eye problems:

Bulging Eyes. Tumors and abscesses can cause a bulging eye. Glaucoma is another common cause.

Cat Pink Eye. Also known as cat conjunctivitis, this is one of the most common cat eye problems. Feline conjunctivitis causes redness and swelling in the eyes. One of the most common causes is the feline herpes virus. It can also be caused by bacterial infections.

Cloudy Eyes. Cloudiness in the eye can be caused by several conditions and infections, including keratitis and uveitis. This eye disorder is usually very painful.

Cataracts, a condition that also causes the eyes to lose its clarity and transparency, are not painful.

Color Change. A change in eye color could be a symptom of melanoma, a form of cancer. Color change may also indicate that the cat has jaundice.

Dry Eye. This disorder causes the eye to produce fewer tears. The cause of this condition is not known. Doctors believe that some factors that may cause dry eye include: the feline herpes virus (keratitis), injuries to the eye/tear duct, and allergies.

Eye Infections. If left untreated, eye infections can become serious chronic conditions. The most common symptoms of feline eye infections are inflammation and redness. The feline herpes virus 1 and the bacterial infection known as chlamydiosis are the most common causes of eye infections in cats. Feline panleukopenia can also cause eye infections and lesions in the eye.

Feline Glaucoma. This is a serious and very painful ailment that causes the cornea to become cloudy. Pressure in the eyeball also enlarges the eye. Feline glaucoma may cause partial or total loss of vision.

Keratitis is the irritation and swelling of the cornea. It also dries the cornea.

Retinal Disorder. This disease causes light sensitive cells to deteriorate. This in turns may cause partial or total blindness.

Uveitis. A serious condition, it causes inflammation of the uveal tract (pigmented area of the cat's eye). This condition can cause blindness.

Watery Eye. Allergies, irritation, and infections can cause an increase in tear production. Cataracts, conjunctivitis, and glaucoma can cause chronic watery eyes.

Does your cat have a cat eye problem?

Checking your cat’s eyes on a regular basis will help you recognize any negative changes and irregularities. Watch out for the following symptoms:

• Cat paws at the eye constantly

  

• Cloudiness or film in the eyes

• Closed eye

• Color change

• Discharges

• Fur around the eyes is tear-stained

• Lid lining is red or white

• Redness

• Squinting

• Swelling

• Watery eyes

Cat eye care

Following a few simple steps will help you keep your cat’s eyes healthy and will hepl prevent any eye problems. And as the saying says: Prevention is the best medicine. Te

• Check your cat’s eyes on a regular basis.

• Keep the eye area clean. Trim any extra fur if necessary.

• If you have to clean your cat's eyes, you may use pet eye wipes which you can find at any pet store.

• Make sure your cat is vaccinated.

Treatment of cat eye problems

If you suspect your cat has an eye problem consult your vet immediately. Luckily, many eye problems can be successfully treated with drops, ointments and other medications. But please don’t wait. Minor problems can turn into serious ones quickly.

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• Cat eye care

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