Eye diseases in cats: 11 diseases with photos and descriptions of symptoms

Eye diseases in cats deserve special attention, as they often cause deterioration or complete loss of vision. Despite the development of other sense organs, blindness significantly worsens the animal’s quality of life. You can avoid troubles with the help of prevention and timely treatment, started immediately after the detection of alarming symptoms.

How can you tell if something is wrong with your cat's eye?

If there is something wrong with a cat's eye, it is easy to understand by its condition. The following symptoms will indicate the disease

:

• increased lacrimation and discharge of pus;
• redness of the mucous membrane and inflammation of the eyelids;
• photophobia, covering of the third eyelid and frequent blinking;
• pain on palpation;
• the appearance of itching;
• sticking of the eyelids after waking up due to the drying out of the accumulated exudate.

Depending on the cause of the malaise, symptoms may be supplemented by worsening appetite, apathy, severe thirst and fever. If you notice at least a few of the listed signs, be sure to schedule your pet for an examination at a veterinary clinic.

Types of conjunctivitis

There are the following types of this disease:

1. Catarrhal conjunctivitis
   is the most harmless and easily occurring. In this case, the eye is red, the mucous membrane swells somewhat, and the animal experiences pain when trying to open its eyes. They are constantly crying. The temperature usually remains within normal limits. Sometimes, with severe injuries, protrusion of the edematous conjunctiva in the form of a roller from under the eyelids is observed.
2. Purulent conjunctivitis
   occurs when the infection has already completely spread in the eye. It is quite difficult to overlook such an ailment, since this form of the disease has obvious signs in the form of yellow or green discharge. The inflamed eye does not open at all. The general condition of the cat is depressed (lethargic), the local temperature is increased, the eyelids are swollen, the mucous membrane is red. The pet develops photophobia. The discharge from the eyes is first liquid, then thick, gray-yellowish and accumulates on the edge of the eyelids, forming crusts.
3. Follicular conjunctivitis
   is a dangerous and life-threatening type of inflammation. In this case, the infection penetrates lower and affects the lymphatic follicles. The eye increases in size. After diagnosis, the doctor prescribes serious treatment, which may include surgical intervention. This type of conjunctivitis in cats is often caused by mechanical irritants (foreign bodies, dust) or occurs as a complication of infectious diseases. It develops slowly, accompanied by minor mucopurulent discharge. On the inner surface of the third eyelid there is a cluster of enlarged follicles of a dark red color, resembling ripe raspberries in appearance. Typically, both eyes are affected at the same time.
4. Phlegmonous conjunctivitis
   is a complex type of inflammation. In this case, conjunctivitis affects not only the surface of the mucous membrane, but also the inside of the eye. It is quite difficult to save them, but with timely rehabilitation it is quite possible. This type of disease is characterized by a ring-shaped protrusion of the conjunctiva through the palpebral fissure. The surface of the conjunctiva itself is glassy, ​​shiny and lumpy, bright red. Then the cat may develop bleeding ulcers. Serous-mucous or purulent discharge is also noted.
5. Allergic conjunctivitis
   is a complication of an allergic reaction, most often due to feeding inappropriate food. If your cat has watery eyes, you should take the animal to the veterinarian, as there is a possibility of infection.

Causes of eye problems in cats

Three groups of reasons are to blame for the occurrence of ophthalmic diseases. These include:

• infectious, due to the negative effects of viruses and bacteria;
• non-infectious, including tumors, injuries and allergies;
• congenital, associated with breed predisposition and poor genetics.

The risk group includes extreme-type Persians with pronounced breed traits. Due to increased tear production, which forms pathogenic microflora, their tear ducts are very often infected with bacteria.

Types of eyelid diseases and their treatment

Symptoms and methods of treating eye diseases in cats depend not only on the cause, but also on the area of ​​the lesion. The main blow is always taken by the eyelids, which protect the more delicate layers from the aggressive influence of the external environment.

Blepharitis

Staphylococcal infections that enter the eye cause unilateral or internal blepharitis in cats. This disease is accompanied by severe redness and inflammation of the corners of the eyelid, as well as the discharge of purulent exudate. Dried pus gradually covers the entire affected area, causing thickening and ulceration of the skin.

In addition to infection, blepharitis can be caused by allergies or demodicosis. Inflammation is treated with antibiotics, antihistamines or acaricidal drugs.

Third eyelid prolapse

This term refers to the transparent nictitating membrane, which performs a protective and moisturizing function. It is located in the inner corner of the eye next to the nose. Its loss is accompanied by uncontrollable twitching of the eyelids, lacrimation and copious discharge of pus or mucus.

Pathology develops with infections, allergies, parasitosis, foreign objects and fusion of the eyelids with each other. To reduce it, they resort to surgery.

Entropion of the eyelids

An alternative name for this disease is entropion. Most often it affects the lower eyelid, causing photophobia and excessive lacrimation. With entropion, it is very easy to understand that something is wrong with the cat’s eye, because she experiences severe pain due to prickly eyelashes and hairs.

The pathology is caused by congenital disorders, injuries and neoplasms. The problem is eliminated by excision of excess skin and formation of the correct palpebral fissure.

Ptosis

Characterized by involuntary drooping of the upper eyelid. The diseased eye opens only partially, and the palpebral fissure narrows. Ptosis occurs as a result of complications of inflammatory processes, paralysis of the facial nerve or weakness of the orbicularis muscle covering the anterior parts of the orbit. It is treated exclusively by surgery.

Lagophthalmos

External signs of lagophthalmos are similar to ptosis. The difference is that the eyelids cannot close. Because of this, the cat has to sleep with its eyes open. The causes and treatment are the same as ptosis.

Fusion of the eyelids with each other or with the conjunctiva

The first type of disorder is called ankyloblepharon, and the second - symblepharon. These pathologies develop from birth, with chronic blepharitis and as a result of mechanical damage. Both cases are accompanied by tissue scarring and the inability to open the eyes. To eliminate the fusion, the help of a surgeon is required.

Entropion of the eyelids

This is an incorrect position of the upper and/or lower eyelids, in which the free edge of the eyelid is shifted inward towards the eyeball.

Symptoms:

— Eyelashes and hair on the eyelids, when turned in, greatly irritate the eye.

— The cat squints its eyes a lot.

- There is severe lacrimation or purulent discharge. Constant irritation can lead to corneal injury.

Treatment:

1. Surgical. With spastic volvulus, therapy is aimed at eliminating the underlying disease, but in some cases, after eliminating the cause that caused the spastic volvulus, it is still necessary to resort to surgical correction.

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Pathologies of the fundus and lens

Ophthalmic diseases in cats can affect the fundus and lens. These organs are responsible for visual acuity, so when they are damaged, it becomes more difficult for the animal to catch objects at a distance.

Cataract

It is characterized by a loss of transparency of the lens, impairing the ability to refract light rays. The main symptoms of cataracts are clouding of the pupil and iris, as well as a gradual change in their shade to bluish-gray.

The causes of the disease lie in congenital disorders, advanced infections, injuries and diabetes. At the initial stage, only damaged particles are removed, and at an advanced stage, the entire lens is removed at once.

Glaucoma

Accompanied by the appearance of a greenish cataract, redness of the mucous membrane and an enlarged pupil. The main cause of glaucoma is increased intraocular pressure. The pathology cannot be treated, but thanks to cryotherapy and antiglaucomatous drugs, its development can be slowed down.

Diseases of the cornea and mucosa, appropriate treatment

The cornea (cornea) acts as a refractive lens, the mucous membrane (conjunctiva) protects the visual organ from drying out, and the vascular membrane (uveal tract) saturates the retina with useful microelements. All these organs are very vulnerable, so after damage to the eyelids, they are the ones who suffer from the effects of negative factors.

Conjunctivitis

If a cat's eye is inflamed and swollen, and the conjunctiva has acquired a bright crimson hue, then most likely he has conjunctivitis. Its appearance is associated with infections and allergies, so antibiotics or antihistamines are used for treatment. If there is an abundant accumulation of pus and the presence of multiple follicles, surgery is performed.

Uveitis

With uveitis, a cat's eyes hurt a lot, so she constantly closes her eyelids and avoids bright light. Advanced inflammation of the uveal tract rarely responds to drug treatment, so the only salvation is removal of the affected organ. In the early stages, it is enough to eliminate the root cause and undergo a course of symptomatic therapy.

Keratitis

The main cause of inflammation of the cornea in cats is similar to previous pathologies. Most often, keratitis develops when infected with bacteria and viruses, so the victim is prescribed antibiotics or antivirals. In advanced cases, laser correction is used.

The inflamed cornea becomes blue or gray and dull, and the mucous membranes become noticeably red. A sick pet tries to avoid bright light and constantly rubs its face with its paws. Without timely help, keratitis can be complicated by cataracts or glaucoma.

Other pathologies

Less common eye diseases in cats include the following:

:

1. Canaliculitis

   , or inflammation of the tear ducts. Occurs when the ducts become clogged and is accompanied by profuse lacrimation. It is treated by washing the clogged lacrimal sac or removing it.

2. Exophthalmos (proptosis) and enophthalmos

   , or prolapse and retraction of the eyeball. Changes are visible to the naked eye. The organ is returned to its original position under general anesthesia.

3. Panophthalmitis

   . A most dangerous pathology that affects all eye tissues. Accompanied by an enlargement of the eye and the discharge of pus. To avoid brain infection, the affected organ is removed.

4. Adenoma of the third century

   . It is characterized by severe redness and thickening of the third eyelid as a result of inflammation of the lymph nodes. This makes it look like a cherry. The organ affected by the adenoma is sutured to its normal state or removed.

Due to the high likelihood of complications, it is better to entrust treatment to a veterinarian. Self-administration of drugs rarely brings the desired result. At best, you will simply smooth out the existing symptoms and complicate the diagnosis.

Symptoms

Although this condition is quite common, you should make sure your cat receives immediate veterinary care as soon as you notice any of the following symptoms:

• Excessive tearing
• Presence of tears, especially if they are opaque
• Yellow discharge from the eyes
• Red or swollen third eyelid
• Squinting or keeping your eyes closed
• Excessive flashing

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When veterinary help is urgently needed

If something is wrong with a cat’s eye, the owner can provide first aid. After this, it is recommended to consult a doctor. This must be done even if the problem seems completely insignificant. After all, it is impossible to make a diagnosis on your own, and your mistake can result in premature blindness of your beloved pet.

Emergency assistance will be required if pus appears, high fever, signs of cataracts and glaucoma, burns or other health-threatening injuries. In these cases, it is recommended to contact the nearest 24-hour veterinary clinic without waiting until morning.

Prevention of conjunctivitis

To prevent the development of conjunctivitis in your cat, you should follow a number of measures. For example:

• Try to carry out annual vaccinations and regularly give anthelmintics, since viruses and helminths can be the root cause of the disease.
• Support your pet's immune system with immunomodulatory agents.
• Protect the cat from getting foreign bodies and chemicals into the eyes. Clean more often, handle hygiene products carefully, and put household chemicals away.
• Limit your pet's contact with other animals, especially stray and obviously sick ones.
• Wash and disinfect your hands thoroughly after contact with sick animals before interacting with your pet.

Thus, conjunctivitis in cats is not uncommon. However, there is nothing to worry about; with timely treatment, you can get rid of the disease once and for all.

Treatment at home

After the diagnosis is made, the mustachioed patient must be provided with the most comfortable conditions possible. Place it in a darkened room, away from noise sources, other pets, children and other irritants.

To avoid further injuries, be sure to trim your cat’s claws and do not let him outside until he recovers. In addition to the basic treatment, which includes the use of eye drops and ointments, you will need to pay close attention to hygiene through rinsing.

Washing and hygiene

Washing is carried out using cotton pads, guided by the following algorithm

:

1. Prepare all the necessary tools and preparations in advance to reduce the risk of traumatizing the animal with painful waiting.
2. Wrap your pet in a thick cloth or find an assistant who can hold him during the procedure.
3. Soak a cotton pad in the medicinal solution, squeeze it out and open the cat's eyelids.
4. Gently move the disc over the eye, moving from the outer corner to the inner.
5. Repeat the previous steps with the other eye, not forgetting to change the cotton pad.

The procedure can also be carried out using a syringe without a needle. To do this, you need to irrigate each eye with the solution under low pressure and gently blot them with a clean, lint-free cloth. After removing the accumulated dirt and soaking the crusts, you can begin applying the main preparation.

Drops and ointments

If something is wrong with a cat’s eye, then special drops and ointments will be required to normalize its condition. The list of necessary medications will depend on the cause of the disease:

• bacterial infection – Iris, Leopard, Levomycetin;
• viral infection – Anandin;
• fungal infection – Tetracycline;
• injuries - Traumeel.

The drops are instilled into both eyes at once, and the ointment is applied only to the disturbing area. After application, close the eyelids tightly and gently massage so that the product is evenly distributed inside. During treatment, it is recommended to wear an Elizabethan collar on your pet so that it does not inflict further injuries on itself when scratching.

Is it possible to use folk remedies?

Folk remedies can only be used as part of complex therapy. They do not fight the root cause, but only alleviate the patient’s condition by eliminating associated symptoms. It is also important to note that some herbs can cause an allergic reaction, so it is best to use them only under the supervision of a veterinarian.

Please note that the popular recipe with olive oil is extremely dangerous. Any oily substances create a very dense film. Because of this, new bacteria can quickly grow on the mucous membrane after treatment.

Features of treatment of pregnant, lactating and young individuals

Kittens, as well as pregnant and lactating animals, need gentler medications and lower dosages. Their immunity is weakened, so most antibiotics cause severe complications. Some of them can lead to miscarriages or stillbirths.

They also resort to surgery with extreme caution, since the anesthesia used can affect the course of pregnancy or the baby’s fragile heart. The indication for its implementation is a serious threat to life that exceeds the existing risks.