Cat's eye: what are the most common eye diseases in the species?

 Cat's eye: what are the most common eye diseases in the species?

Tracy Wilkins

The cat's eye, in addition to raising many questions about how it works, is also a sensitive area that can suffer from various problems. Excessive tearing, for example, is often associated with eye diseases. The same occurs when we see the cat's eye membrane appearing, called the "third eyelid" and which usually shows up only when there is something wrong with healthSo that you know the main diseases in cat's eye, the Paws of the House has put together everything you need to know about the clinical pictures below.

Feline conjunctivitis is a super common cat eye disease

When you see any change in your pet's eyeball - such as a red, watery cat eye - the initial suspicion is usually feline conjunctivitis. This is an inflammation of the membrane covering the animal's eye, called the conjunctiva, and can happen for different reasons. In addition to tearing and redness in the cat's eye area, other common symptoms of feline conjunctivitis are also present.feline conjunctivitis are: itching, reddening of the eye, yellowish or dark discharge. In any case, it is essential to consult a specialist to recommend the best treatment.

Cataracts in cats can leave the animal blind if they do not receive proper treatment

Cataracts in cats is a more delicate problem that affects a different part of the eye: the lens. For those who don't know, the lens is a lens located behind the iris that allows clear vision of things and helps in the formation of images. Therefore, when an animal suffers from this disease in a cat's eye, it is impaired vision.

Recognising cataracts in cats is not very difficult: the main symptoms associated with the condition are a change in the color of the eyes, which tend to become whiter or bluer, and opacity in the area. The kitten may also start to bump into places because of weakened eyesight. Treatment guided by a veterinary ophthalmologist is essential, as the condition evolves.can lead to blindness.

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Glaucoma in cats is another disease that gradually degenerates vision

Another disease that needs attention is glaucoma in cats. The pathology mainly affects felines at an older age, but there is little care. Glaucoma is characterized by increased intraocular pressure and accumulation of watery fluid in the eye area, causing progressive vision loss in the long term. Although it is a "silent" disease and guardians discover glaucoma incats when the situation is serious, it is good to keep an eye on some of the symptoms.

This is a disease that usually leaves the cat's eye red, with dilated pupils and opacity of the region. Veterinary follow-up is necessary so that the diagnosis is not late and treatment begins soon. Unfortunately it is not possible to recover part of the lost vision, but it is possible to slow the progression of glaucoma in cats.

Feline uveitis can leave your cat's eye watery and red

Uveitis is a cat's eye disease that is nothing more than an inflammation of the uvea, an area of the feline eye that is rich in blood vessels. It is not one of the most dangerous pathologies, but it is still worth watching out for. Uveitis can be caused by minor injuries and aggressions in the cat's eye, but it can also be a consequence of pre-existing diseases, such as cataracts.

Among the main symptoms, we can highlight the cat's eye watering, redness, sensitivity to light, excessive blinking, pain and discomfort in the area. It is recommended to seek a veterinary ophthalmologist to seek the best forms of treatment.

Corneal ulcer in cats can be deep or superficial

The cornea is the outermost layer of the cat's eye that has an important refractive function, in addition to protecting the most sensitive regions from possible aggressions. When an injury occurs in this part of the eye, it is what we call a corneal ulcer. The problem can be classified as a deep ulcer or a superficial ulcer, depending on the severity of the injury.

To identify the disease, some signs are noticeable such as excessive tearing, eye discharge, redness, pain, photophobia and white spot in the area. In addition, the affected kitten also has a more closed eye than normal. To treat, the veterinarian may indicate the use of specific eye drops.

Meet 5 other cat eye diseases to watch out for!

And it doesn't stop there: in addition to the problems mentioned above, which are the most common, there are other types of cat eye disease that are rarer but also need your attention. They are:

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  • Ocular toxoplasmosis
  • Feline chlamydiosis
  • Stye
  • Progressive retinal atrophy
  • Retinal detachment

Therefore, when you notice any changes in your four-legged friend's eyeball, do not hesitate to seek help from a professional specialized in the area. He will analyze the situation and, with the diagnosis defined, indicate the most appropriate treatment for your pet.

Tracy Wilkins

Jeremy Cruz is a passionate animal lover and dedicated pet parent. With a background in veterinary medicine, Jeremy has spent years working alongside veterinarians, gaining invaluable knowledge and experience in caring for dogs and cats. His genuine love for animals and commitment to their well-being led him to create the blog Everything you need to know about dogs and cats, where he shares expert advice from veterinarians, owners, and respected experts in the field, including Tracy Wilkins. By combining his expertise in veterinary medicine with insights from other respected professionals, Jeremy aims to provide a comprehensive resource for pet owners, helping them understand and address their beloved pets' needs. Whether it's training tips, health advice, or simply spreading awareness about animal welfare, Jeremy's blog has become a go-to source for pet enthusiasts seeking reliable and compassionate information. Through his writing, Jeremy hopes to inspire others to become more responsible pet owners and create a world where all animals receive the love, care, and respect they deserve.