Cat eye issues

Acromegaly in cats is a disease caused by a growth hormone-secreting tumor of the pituitary gland. Excessive growth hormone affects the entire body, causing abnormal growth of the internal organs (organomegaly), and sometimes the bones of the face and feet.

Lead poisoning in cats is caused by the presence of toxic amounts of lead in the body. When lead poisoning does occur in cats, it is thought to be from self-grooming of lead-containing particles from the fur, but in most cases, there is no known exposure. 

Coccidioidomycosis in cats is a systemic infection caused by inhalation of dust-borne fungal spores of Coccidioides immitis or Coccidioides posadasii. Coccidioides is endemic in dry, desert areas and outbreaks commonly occur after dust storms.

Cryptococcosis in cats is a systemic fungal disease affecting the skin, respiratory tract, eyes, and central nervous system (CNS) as well as adjacent tissues in some cases. Cryptococcus is a yeast-like fungus found in soil and decaying matter contaminated with bird droppings worldwide, and can survive for years in the environment.

A portosystemic shunt (PSS) occurs in cats when abnormal blood flow from the digestive and ancillary organs bypasses the liver. Blood from the digestive and enzyme-secreting organs normally flows through into the liver where toxins are processed before being eliminated by the kidneys.

Feline herpesvirus (FHV) is a common and highly contagious respiratory illness in cats resulting from infection with type 1 Feline Herpesvirus (FHV-1). Transmission occurs through direct or indirect, contact with nasal or eye secretions

Foxtails and other grasses produce seeds that have evolved to stick to hair and penetrate skin as a dispersal mechanism. Grass awns penetrate the body through the skin or tissue around the eyes, but are also often found in the mouth, nose, or ears.

The pupil is the opening in the center of the eye. Dilated pupils in cats occur normally in response to decreased light levels and some physiologic conditions, such as during the natural fear response.

Blindness in cats can appear varies in severity and can include partial or full blindness. Cats are especially good at learning their environment and adapting to vision loss, so detection of vision loss can be difficult.

The retina is at the back of the eye and converts light and nerve impulses into vision. The retina can become detached from its underlying tissue causing partial or complete blindness in cats. 

Crossed eyes (strabismus) is a common symptom in cats where one or both eyes have abnormal, persistent positioning. Strabismus can be congenital and is most often seen in Siamese, Himalayan, and flame point Persian breeds.

Blepharospasm is a term that describes repeated, spasmodic movement of the eyelids, commonly referred to as squinting. Blepharospasm is a broad symptom that is seen as a feature of different underlying diseases in cats, including injury, infection, inflammation, and developmental abnormalities.

Tumors of the eye, defined as abnormal cell growth in or around the eyes, are uncommon in cats. Most eye tumors are malignant, aggressive, fast-growing, and likely to spread throughout the body where they have serious consequences.

Blepharitis is inflammation of the upper or lower eyelid. This condition can affect one or both eyes, and the experience is uncomfortable. Blepharitis is common in cats and is caused by a variety of underlying conditions including infections, birth defects, allergies, immune conditions, environmental irritants, and cancers.

A coloboma, sometimes called a “hole in the eye,” is a congenital condition where tissues in one or more structures of the eye fail to form properly. Eyelid colobomas involve a portion of the eyelid being absent, impacting function.

The uvea describes the internal structures of the eyeball. Uveitis is inflammation of the uvea, and has a number of underlying causes. Urgent care is required for any cat that develops symptoms of uveitis, as the condition is often painful and can result in vision loss.

The cornea is the transparent cover over the front of the eye. When inflamed, it swells with fluid (edema), and becomes cloudy. Corneal edema may appear as a hazy, blue, or milky opacity covering the surface of the colored part of the eye.

Lens prolapse, or luxation, is when the lens of the eye becomes dislocated from its proper position. A dislocated lens can move into the front (anterior) or the rear (posterior) of the eye, and may be primary (inherited) or secondary (occurring due to another condition).

Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) is commonly called ‘dry eye’ because it’s caused by a lack of water in the tears. Without watery tears, the surface of the eye dries out and irritants cannot be flushed away.

Cherry eye is a colloquial term used to describe prolapse (popping out) of the gland of the third eyelid in cats, thought to be caused by weakening of the fibers that hold the gland into place.

An eyelid tumor is a mass of rapidly growing cells located anywhere on the eyelid from the base of the lashes to the topmost edge of the lid. Masses can be benign or malignant but in cats, eyelid tumors are usually malignant.

Eyelash and eyelid disorders in cats are uncommon. Brachycephalic breeds (those with flat faces) are at higher risk of these disorders.

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

Nystagmus is the involuntary, erratic movement of the eyes, generally caused by conditions affecting the cat’s nervous or vestibular (balance) system

Ulcerative keratitis is a type of inflammation of the cornea: the transparent surface of the eye. A corneal ulcer is the loss of specific cells produced by the outermost layer of the cornea.

A cataract, a degenerative condition that affects the eyes, is characterized by a loss of clarity of the lens. The lens is a transparent structure that focuses the light on the retina, allowing clear vision