Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
Lesions can clear up in about a week if they are properly treated. If
the eye is very painful and the cat squints it shut, another drop called
atropine may be added to decrease eyelid spasms and discomfort.
Many prescription eye drops and ointments contain a combination
of antibiotics and cortisone. Drops that contain cortisone should never
be used on cats with corneal ulcers, because cortisone retards corneal
healing.
Persian and Himalayan cats have very prominent eyes that are easily
injured. These cats can develop a condition called corneal sequestrum,
in which part of the cornea actually dies and turns black. A veterinary
ophthalmologist can perform a procedure called a keratectomy to
remove this damaged corneal tissue.A corneal sequestrum is not painful,
but it will block vision through that part of the cornea.
Kitty Pinkeye
The most common problem directly affecting the eyes of cats is con-
junctivitis.This inflammation of the tissue around the eye can result from
viral or bacterial infection, allergies, trauma or immune-related diseases.
Conjunctivitis does not directly affect vision, but it can do so indirectly
if a cat is squinting due to discomfort or if the cornea is also affected.
A red, puffy eye or an eye that is tearing are typical signs of con-
junctivitis. Cultures and conjunctival scrapings are not routinely reliable
diagnostic tools, so it can be difficult for a veterinarian to determine the
exact cause of a case of conjunctivitis.
It is not uncommon for kittens to be infected with feline her-
pesvirus or chlamydia, which can cause conjunctivitis. Both can be dif-
ficult to treat, and herpes can cause recurrent draining of the eye and
conjunctivitis throughout the cat's life. Feline chlamydia can be trans-
mitted to humans and cause conjunctivitis. To prevent the spread of
infection, wash your hands before touching your own eyes after han-
dling a cat with conjunctivitis.
Can't Stop Crying
Many cats have eyes that tear regularly. The most common cause of
chronic tearing is a flare-up of a feline herpesvirus infection, or scarring
of the nasolacrimal drainage duct that resulted from a previous her-
pesvirus infection. The nasolacrimal duct provides drainage from the
eye out through the nose.
Chronic tearing can also be the result of facial conformation and
breed predisposition. This is something owners of Persians and other
