Glaucoma in Cats - Causes, Treatment and Associated Conditions

Key takeaways

Glaucoma is a collection of disorders that damage the retina and optic nerve, leading to vision loss.

Glaucoma usually results from a failure of the fluid in the front part of the eye (aqueous humor) to drain as it should
The pressure inside the eye increases as a result of fluid buildup, damaging the optic nerve and retina
Glaucoma can present in two forms: Primary glaucoma occurs without any underlying condition and usually has a hereditary component; Secondary glaucoma results from another underlying condition, like inflammation or a tumor, and is the most common form in cats
Glaucoma is diagnosed by using a specialized tool called a tonometer to measure pressure inside the eye
Glaucoma is a chronic disease that nearly always leads to blindness
Treatment focuses on alleviating pain
Medications may help, but surgical removal of the eye is necessary if the pain becomes unmanageable

Are you concerned?

Connect with a vet to get more information about your pet’s health.

Book an online vet

A closer look: Glaucoma in Cats

The early signs of glaucoma are difficult to detect in cats. Minor behavioral changes like lethargy, withdrawal, and hiding may appear, but normally the development of glaucoma is so subtle that these symptoms are not obvious. By the time these changes become noticeable, the cat’s vision might already be impaired.

Connect with a vet to get more information

With DVM, ICH certifications and great reviews by pet parents like you for this symptom

Risk factors

Glaucoma is not a life-threatening condition, but it requires urgent veterinary attention because it is painful and might lead to permanent loss of sight.

Glaucoma is rarer in cats than it is in dogs. Affected cats usually suffer from secondary glaucoma. Primary glaucoma is uncommon in cats even though some breeds are more predisposed than others.

Possible causes

Primary glaucoma is relatively rare, it affects both eyes, and has a genetic and breed-related component. Secondary glaucoma is usually a consequence of uveitis, a chronic inflammation of the eye that affects the drainage ducts and can affect one or both eyes.

Main symptoms

Testing and diagnosis

A tonometer is used to measure intraocular pressure and make a diagnosis of glaucoma.

Other specific tests to guide treatment include:

Gonioscopy, to determine the damage in the draining ducts
Electroretinography to evaluate the level of vision loss
X-ray or ultrasound scanning to check for other optical malfunctions

Steps to Recovery

Glaucoma is irreversible and progressive. Typical treatment focuses on alleviating pain and reducing symptoms. Medications to manage symptoms include

Dorzolamide and timolol eye drops reduce the intraocular pressure
Steroids treat the inflammation that might have caused the disease
Pain medications

Surgical procedures may also be necessary, such as:

Surgical removal of the eye
Fluid drainage
Cyclocryotherapy alters the cells that produce the aqueous humor in the eyes

Glaucoma is incurable. Treatment can be useful to decrease associated inflammation. Progressive blindness is likely, but with appropriate treatment can be delayed. If the associated pain cannot be alleviated, surgical removal of one or both eyes is often the best solution.

Cats rely on their sense of smell more than vision. Owners must consider that and avoid anthropomorphization when it comes to making decisions about treatment options. Cats might take a while in adjusting to their new condition but will eventually recover and live a normal life. A caring household helps in making the process smoother for the cat. Blind cats can have a normal lifespan with a high quality of life with sufficient support and management.

Prevention

There are many possible causes of glaucoma. General preventive strategies to optimize health are the only real strategies to avoid glaucoma. There is some breed disposition towards primary glaucoma so breed avoidance can prevent this specific subtype, but the condition can develop in any cat. Staying up to date with vaccinations and routine health screenings will help maintain overall health and detect issues early.

Is Glaucoma in Cats common?

Glaucoma is not a condition common in cats with just about 0.2% of cats affected. Secondary glaucoma is the most common form in cats. It usually appears in middle-aged to elderly cats. Primary glaucoma is uncommon in cats. Siamese and burmese cats are predisposed.