Eye Discharge (Epiphora) in Cats

The tear ducts are glands at the forefront of the eye sockets. These glands secrete fluid to keep the eyeballs lubricated. When these glands overproduce fluid, excess tears leak from the eyes. Sometimes excess tear production is a temporary defense mechanism to keep irritants from damaging the eyeball. Other forms of discharge may leak from the tear ducts and surrounding tissue depending on the underlying cause.

Some of the underlying conditions leading to ocular discharge can lead to permanent vision loss or be life threatening, while others are minor and go away without treatment. It is important to contact a veterinarian if the symptom is severe, persists for more than 24 hours, grows worse, or is accompanied by other symptoms.

Discharge can be due to a large number of reasons, from minor conditions like colds or foreign bodies in the eye, to severe conditions like squamous cell carcinoma on the eyelid. Identification of the underlying cause by a vet is the safest option to prevent permanent damage to the eyes.

Ocular discharge is common with many eye diseases. Any condition that irritates or injures the lids, conjunctiva, or any part of the eye can produce epiphora (excessive tears) or other types of ocular discharge. Other causes are related to irritation or infection in the upper airways.

Genetic factors can influence ocular discharge. Cats with buggy eyes, a flat face, or long hair poking into their eyes are predisposed to ocular conditions associated with discharge.

Eye discharge can vary widely in severity based on the underlying causes.

Discharge can be unilateral or bilateral (occurring in one or both eyes). Additionally, symptoms can be intermittent or temporary, such as with external irritants, or constantly present when due to something persistent, like an eyelid disorder or tumor.

The types of discharge can also vary with different conditions. Conditions such as FURTI, brachycephaly, FIP, and corneal disorders can cause clear discharge or excessive tearing. Environmental irritants are also commonly a cause of epiphora in cats.

Pus or sticky goop can be a sign of an infection and is commonly associated with FURTI, conjunctivitis, and keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eyes). This discharge may have a yellowed tinge and resemble mucus, or may have a thicker, sticky consistency.

When the eyelids or lining of the eye are damaged from an injury, foreign object, or tumor, the discharge may be bloody.

Discharge can be caused by many different illnesses, so the underlying cause must be identified to determine appropriate treatment.

Patient history and a full physical exam (including an ophthalmologic exam) are usually sufficient to diagnose many of the potential causes of eye discharge. Fluorescein stains are commonly employed to identify abrasions and foreign objects within the eye. Nasolacrimal irrigation shows if the tear ducts are unobstructed. Schrimer tear tests measure for adequate tear production, and tonometry is used to measure pressure inside the eyeball.

Antibody tests for FeLV and FIV are commonly performed when cats present with ocular discharge. Blood tests are also useful for establishing overall patient status and identifying other infectious diseases.

Eye discharge may be examined under the microscope or cultured. Biopsy is indicated for tumors.

Due to the many potential causes of eye discharge, treatment can vary widely. For environmental irritants, common infections, or in the case of brachycephalic cats with mild symptoms, no treatment may be required. In other cases, treatment can include:

• Surgical remedies (flushing blocked tear ducts, repairing eyelid disorders)
• Topical remedies (eyedrops)
• Oral medications

Excessive tears (epiphora) is sometimes normal. It can be difficult to determine if “watery eyes” are normal or abnormal.

Additionally, accumulation of crusty drainage near the eye can lead to irritation of the surrounding skin.