Did you know that glaucoma in cats is a problem that needs your attention? Just as it occurs in humans, glaucoma is a problem that can also affect the health of cats. This syndrome causes increased intraocular pressure, leading to degeneration of the optic nerve. Glaucoma in cats can arise due to other health problems already existing in the cat. It is important to note that, among theeye diseases in cats, glaucoma needs even more care. If the problem is not controlled, it can even cause your kitten to lose its sight. To understand a little more about the subject, we talked to ophthalmologist veterinarian Thiago Ferreira, who told us the main characteristics of this disease, treatments and prevention. Take a look!

Cat's eye disease: know what are the causes behind glaucoma

Glaucoma can be classified in three ways: congenital, primary or secondary. When it comes to felines, this eye disease in cats is usually congenital or secondary. In the first case, it means that the animal is already born with this eye alteration; in the second scenario, glaucoma in cats develops because of some pre-existing systemic problem that ends up triggering this disease."The main cause of glaucoma in cats is secondary to uveitis. Uveitis is caused by various systemic diseases, the most famous of which are FIV, FeLV, FIP, calicivirosis, among other bacteria that can end up affecting the cat's uvea. Other causes of glaucoma in cats are neoplasms. There are three tumors that can participate in the formation of glaucoma: lymphoma (which canor not associated with FIV and FeLV), diffuse iris melanoma and ciliary body adenocarcinoma", explains Thiago.

Primary glaucoma, on the other hand, is quite rare and occurs when the animal has a genetic predisposition to develop this disease. Some breeds, such as the Burmese and the Siamese, have a higher chance of having the disease.

5 symptoms of glaucoma in cats to watch out for

The symptoms of glaucoma in cats can be very confusing for the guardian. "The signs of glaucoma in cats are quite treacherous because they often start with extremely subtle signs, difficult for the patient's family to perceive, and will only be noticed when the glaucoma is already at a more advanced stage", explains Thiago. Among the most common signs of glaucoma in cats we can highlight:

• Increase in the size of the eye bulb
• Red eye
• Corneal opacity
• Dilated pupils
• Increased intraocular pressure

Cat's eye: disease should be diagnosed by a professional specialized in ophthalmology

Have you noticed any of these symptoms in your cat? Take him immediately for a consultation with a veterinarian, preferably an ophthalmologist. Because it is a disease in the cat's eye that is quite delicate, the diagnosis must be made as soon as possible by a professional. Otherwise, the kitty may end up losing his sight little by little. "The diagnosis of glaucoma in cats isdone by tonometry, an exam that measures the patient's eye pressure, "says Thiago. However, he explains that this exam alone may not be enough and that it is also necessary to be based on the clinical signs that the eye presents. Uveitis, for example, is a disease that lowers pressure, while glaucoma increases it. "So, when they are together and presenting simultaneously, it ends up that one of them is the other.So sometimes you can't rely so much on pressure," he concludes.

Treatment of glaucoma in cats can be done with eye drops, laser or implantation

There are a few ways to treat glaucoma in cats depending mainly on the analysis made by the ophthalmologist veterinarian. Eye drops, laser treatments or even the implantation of valves in the eyes of the animals can be used. However, the ophthalmologist explains that treatment is often limited and fails. Therefore, the loss of the eye is a common consequence of the disease. "The medicationsUsually that eye that is removed has to be referred to a pathology laboratory to find out why the eye has progressed in that way and at that rate." In the case of secondary glaucoma, it is very important to treat the disease that gave rise to the problem.

Glaucoma in cats: how to prevent the problem?

If you are worried about your kitten and want to know if there is any way to prevent it from having glaucoma, the only way to do this is with frequent check-ups. Only this follow-up with a professional is able to detect the disease in time, preventing it from becoming an even bigger problem. In addition, observing your mustachioed's entire body is also super important, as Thiagohighlights: "One thing that is little discussed in cats is the issue of teeth. It is very important that we take care of the dentition and carry out periodontal treatments because, although it is a little less common than in dogs, cats can also have uveitis secondary to some bacteria that comes from the mouth. But the prevention of glaucoma in cats is basically based on the prevention of systemic diseases thatcould affect the uvea, causing uveitis and later glaucoma".