Common Cat Eye Issues Every Pet Owner Should Know

You feed your cat healthy food, take them to the vet, and ensure they’re kept healthy and safe at home. But how often do you think about your cat’s eyes?

No, this isn’t about how stunning and cute your pet’s eyes undoubtedly are. We’re talking health. Cats can experience a variety of eye issues that require veterinary attention. From mild irritations to serious conditions that may need swift treatment, some of these feline eye conditions are more common than others. As a responsible pet owner, it’s a good idea to make sure you’re familiar with them.

Why worry about your cat’s eyes?

Your cat’s nose may be far more powerful than your own, but this doesn’t mean their other senses aren’t highly important. Not only can blindness be difficult for cats to adapt to, but it requires extra care on behalf of the pet owner. Beyond that, some eye conditions can cause more serious harm to your cat’s overall health if allowed to progress.

While the exact risks can (and do!) vary from cat to cat, eye to eye, there are certain common conditions all people with feline friends should be aware of. This is because early intervention is key, and many of these conditions can be slowed or even reversed if treated at the right time. Taking the time to learn some common cat eye problems today can help you save your pet’s sight later on.

10 eye conditions common in cats

Here are some of the 10 most common eye conditions in cats. These are in no particular order, and exact prevalence can vary between cat breeds.

1. Cataracts

Similar to the condition in humans, cataracts in cats involve the clouding of the eye's lens, leading to impaired vision or blindness. This condition can result from aging, trauma, diabetes, or genetic factors. Affected cats may have eyes that appear “milky” and can struggle with seeing clearly over time. Surgery is generally the only effective treatment. That said, your pet’s veterinarian may not always recommend it unless their vision is significantly impaired.

2. Conjunctivitis (pink eye)

Yes, cats can also get pink eye. Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the conjunctiva, the pink membrane lining the eyelids. Causes can range from bacterial, viral, or fungal infections to allergens and irritants. Feline Herpesvirus has also been shown to be a culprit. In these cases, the condition is called Feline Herpes Viral Conjunctivitis.

Symptoms include redness, swelling, squinting, and discharge that can be clear, yellow, or green. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may involve antibiotics, antiviral medications, or anti-inflammatory eye drops. Keeping your pet’s eyes clean and seeking prompt veterinary care if you spot any signs of pink eye in cats is essential for effective management.

3. Retinal disease

This doesn’t refer to any one single condition but rather encompasses a wide range of illnesses that can affect feline retinas. The retina is the innermost, light-sensitive portion of the eye, and it is crucial to your pet’s eyesight. General signs of retinal conditions in your pet include increased light sensitivity, dilated pupils, and reduced responsiveness to movement and light.

Common forms of retinal illness in cats include:

• Retinal detachment — Separation of the retina from the underlying tissue.
• Retinal degeneration (progressive retinal atrophy) — A hereditary condition, this is where the retina breaks down gradually over time.
• Retinal dysplasia — Abnormal development of the retina that may either be asymptomatic or cause vision impairment.
• Hypersensitive retinopathy — Damage to the retina caused by high blood pressure.
• Taurine deficiency retinopathy — A form of retinal degeneration caused by a deficiency of taurine, an essential amino acid for cats.

4. Corneal ulcer

As its name suggests, this condition involves an open sore or “ulcer” on the cornea, the eye’s clear outer layer. This layer is important for protecting the eye, so any damage to it should be treated promptly. Left untreated, corneal ulcers can lead to severe pain, scarring, or even loss of the eye.

Of course, it can be tough to tell when your cat is suffering from a corneal ulcer just by looking at them. If you notice any signs like excessive blinking, squinting, redness, cloudiness, or discharge, seek veterinary attention right away. Treatment options including antibiotics, pain relief, and sometimes surgery. Prompt attention ensures a better outcome and preserves the cat's vision.

5. Glaucoma

Glaucoma is technically a group of eye conditions, all damaging the optic nerve and leading to gradual vision loss when left untreated. In cats, glaucoma is a serious issue typically characterized by increased pressure within the eye, leading to pain, vision loss, and potential blindness. Causes vary but can include genetics, trauma, inflammation, or tumors.

If your cat has a bulging eye, cloudiness, redness, dilated pupils, and/or decreased responsiveness to light, they may have glaucoma. This condition requires prompt veterinary intervention to reduce eye pressure, often involving medications or surgery. Early detection and treatment are crucial to preserving your cat's vision and preventing irreversible damage.

6. Uveitis

Uveitis in cats is inflammation of the uvea, which is the eye's middle layer. This uncomfortable condition causes pain, redness, cloudiness, and, like many other eye issues in cats, sensitivity to light. It can result from infections, trauma, or underlying systemic diseases like Feline Leukemia or toxoplasmosis. If left untreated, uveitis can lead to glaucoma, cataracts, or blindness. Immediate veterinary care is therefore essential, typically involving anti-inflammatory medications and more, depending on the underlying cause.

7. Dry eye

Sure, all mammals’ eyes get dry from time to time. But Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca, or “dry eye” is its own health condition. This occurs when your cat’s eyes do not produce enough tears, leading to dryness and irritation. Causes can include immune disorders, infections, or damage to tear glands. Signs include redness and excessive blinking, though more serious cases can involve discharge and dull corneal appearance.

Treatment for dry eye in cats usually involves artificial tears (giving your pet eye drops), medications to stimulate tear production, and managing any underlying conditions to prevent further complications.

8. Epiphora

Opposite of dry eye in cats is epiphora, where the eyes produce an excessive amount of tears. An uncomfortable eye condition in its own way, Epiphora causes constant wetness around the eyes and can lead to irritation. Though all cats’ eyes may appear “wet” from time to time due to basic irritants, signs of epiphora include stained fur around the eyes, redness, and the appearance of crying. Treatment depends on the underlying cause, which can be anything from eye infections or allergies to blocked tear ducts or even structural abnormalities of the eye.

Epiphora may be particularly common in flat-faced cat breeds like Persians and Exotic Shorthairs due to their shallow eye sockets.

8. Entropion

Entropion is a condition where your cat’s eyelid rolls inward, causing the eyelashes to rub against the cornea. This painful situation leads to irritation, redness, excessive tearing, and potential corneal ulcers, making swift veterinary treatment all the more important. As for causes, entropion in cats can be congenital or develop due to injury or chronic inflammation. Treatment usually requires surgical correction to reposition the eyelid, preventing further discomfort and preserving your cat's vision.

10. Cherry eye

Cherry eye is better associated with dogs and is more common in them, but cats are at risk as well. In this condition, the third eyelid gland prolapses, which makes it appear as a red, swollen mass in the corner of the eye. Without quick medical intervention, the third eyelid gland can become further dislocated due to weak connective tissue. As with many other feline eye issues, this one is believed to affect some breeds more than others.

Treatment is important not just for your cat’s vision, but because cherry eye can cause great discomfort, excessive tearing, and irritation. Treatment will depend on how severe your cat’s condition is. In many cases, surgery will be required to reposition the gland to restore normal function and prevent further complications.

How to protect your cat’s ocular health

Eye issues in cats often go unnoticed in initial stages. Unless you actually witness damage to your cat’s eye, there’s a good chance the first signs of a feline eye condition will be subtle. So, when you’re hanging out with your pet, it’s a good idea to take a moment to look for any changes. Cloudiness, scratches, frequent blinking, redness, swelling, or watery eyes are all common signs of many of the conditions listed above.

You’ll also want to keep up with routine veterinary checkups, as your vet will take a look at their eyes during a normal exam. If you’re unsure about anything you’ve noticed with your cat’s eyes recently, that’s a good time to ask! That said, you shouldn’t wait for your cat’s next regular appointment if you do spot something suspicious — as we’ve established, swift treatment is crucial in many cases to save your pet’s vision.

It can be scary when your cat is diagnosed with an eye condition, but the good news is that modern veterinary care now offers more treatment options than ever. In order to help ensure your cat can get the treatment they need for an eye issue or other surprise health condition, consider protecting them with a cat insurance plan.