Page 50 - Complete Cat Care: How To Keep Your Cat Healthy and Happy

Eye disorders

Disorders and injuries may affect the structures of the eye or the eyelids,
or both. All eye problems in a cat need prompt investigation by a vet, as
even minor disorders can become sight-threatening if left untreated.

allergy, or infection. There may enlarged, with a widened pupil
be a clear, white, or greenish and clouded cornea. If not treated
Signs of a problem discharge. The cat may blink promptly, it could cause blindness.
rapidly and rub the eye. A vet may The vet will prescribe eye drops
■ Eyelids fully or partially closed use eye drops to clear up infection and tablets to lower the pressure.
■ Watery discharge and relieve inflammation, and fit In older cats, acute vision loss
■ Yellow/green sticky discharge an Elizabethan collar to prevent may be due to detachment of
■ Red inner linings of eyelids the cat from rubbing the eye. the retina. Signs include an
■ Cat rubbing eyes Injury, or debris in the eye, can enlarged pupil. Gradual vision
■ Increased blink rate cause inflammation of the third loss may be due to cataracts. These
■ Bumping into objects, eyelid and conjunctiva, or cause a can be removed surgically, and
48 misjudging heights (vision loss) bluing of the cornea at the front of an artificial lens may be fitted.
■ Pupils dilated in bright light the eye. A vet may use fluorescein
■ Swollen eyes or eyelids dye to show up injury or ulceration. Other eye disorders
Your cat’s health Conjunctivitis and debris, pain relief, and antibiotics affects Persian, Siamese, Burmese,
■ Third eyelid showing
Treatment includes removal of
Corneal sequestrum particularly
and Himalayan cats. A dark patch
if there is bacterial infection.
of dead tissue forms on the cornea,
Vision loss
eye injuries
causing pain and excess tears. The
In conjunctivitis there is swelling
(acute) or gradual. One cause of
and redness of the conjunctiva, the Loss of vision can be sudden patch can be surgically removed.
Third eyelid, or haws, syndrome
membrane lining the inner eyelids acute vision loss is glaucoma—a may result in a visible third eyelid
and covering the front of the eyes. painful buildup of fluid inside the on each eye. Possible causes include
Common causes include irritation, eyeball. The eyeball may look viral infection and tapeworms.
Vet checking a cat’s eyes
A vet commonly uses an
ophthalmoscope, an instrument
with magnifying lenses and a light,
to examine the interior of the eye.

△ Cat with third eyelid syndrome
In this condition, the third eyelid is more visible
at the inner corners of both eyes. It often
affects young cats.

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