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Cataract Care for Felines: Identifying Them and Instructional Guide by Emily Swiniarski, DVM

When issues arise with a cat's eyes, what's the course of action? Let's delve into the different types and advantages of eye drops for felines.

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In cases of cat eye issues, learn about distinctive eye drops and their advantages. An overview of...
In cases of cat eye issues, learn about distinctive eye drops and their advantages. An overview of eye drops for felines.

Cataract Care for Felines: Identifying Them and Instructional Guide by Emily Swiniarski, DVM

Feline Eye Troubles: Causes, Symptoms & Treatments

Cats' peepers are unique, with their irises sporting a spread of captivating hues and their pupils shaped like a long, slender slit. However, when inflammation rears its ugly head, it's hard to miss. If your vet confirms your kitty's eyes are inflamed, they might suggest eye drops to help. Let's delve into why these drops are crucial, the different types available, and some vet-approved product recommendations.

Why Cats Need Eye Drops

Cats might require eye drops for a variety of issues such as:

  • Conjunctivitis
  • Corneal ulcers
  • Uveitis
  • Keratitis
  • Glaucoma

We'll discuss each condition further below.

Common Eye Conditions in Cats

1. Conjunctivitis

Often dubbed "pink eye" in people, conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the clear tissue lining the eye and the inner surface of the eyelid. Viruses including feline herpesvirus-1 and feline calicivirus, as well as bacteria like Chlamydophila felis or Mycoplasma spp, are common culprits. Symptoms may include watery discharge, redness, or yellow/green mucus discharge.

2. Corneal Ulcers

Corneal ulcers occur when the clear layer on the front of the eye, the cornea, is damaged. Ulcers can be caused by viruses, trauma, or eyelid abnormalities like entropion (inward-rolling eyelids causing eyelashes to irritate the eye).

3. Uveitis

Uveitis involves inflammation within the eye, including the iris and choroid layer. Causes include infections, autoimmune diseases, cancer, and trauma.

4. Keratitis

Keratitis is inflammation of the cornea. Causes include viruses, immune-mediated diseases, or chronic irritation like dry eye or abnormal eyelids.

5. Glaucoma

Glaucoma is characterized by increased pressure within the eye, usually due to another condition like uveitis, cancer, or trauma.

Types of Eye Drops for Cats

The following categories encompass cat eye drops:

  • Antibiotics
  • Antivirals
  • Lubricating eye drops
  • Steroids
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories
  • Immunosuppressants
  • Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors

We've provided a brief overview of each type for clarity.

7 Vet-Recommended Eye Drops for Cats

  1. Ofloxacin Ophthalmic Solution - powerful antibiotic used for various eye conditions
  2. Cidofovir Ophthalmic Solution - antiviral preferred for feline herpesvirus-1 infections
  3. Artificial Tears Solution - over-the-counter lubricating drops for dry or irritated eyes
  4. Dexamethasone Sodium Ophthalmic Solution - steroid occasionally used for specific conditions like eosinophilic keratitis
  5. Flurbiprofen Sodium Ophthalmic Solution - non-steroidal anti-inflammatory for decreasing inflammation in cases of uveitis or conjunctivitis
  6. Cyclosporine Ophthalmic Suspension - immunosuppressive medication for immune-mediated eye conditions
  7. Dorzolamide Ophthalmic Solution - carbonic anhydrase inhibitor for addressing feline glaucoma

How to Administer Cat Eye Drops

Before applying drops, wash your hands, gather supplies, and follow these steps:

  1. Wipe away debris from around the eyes with a lukewarm moist cloth.
  2. Gently lift the upper eyelid and apply one drop into the lower pocket formed between the eyelids.
  3. Use a fluffy towel or blanket to hold your kitty, and offer a favorite treat for a positive experience.

When in Doubt, Ask for Help!

If you're struggling to administer eye drops, don't hesitate to consult your veterinarian for assistance. And remember, human eye drops are off limits for our feline friends! For artificial tears, they can be found over the counter, but never use human medications meant for other species. Always follow your vet's instructions, and maintain consistent communication for the best possible outcomes for your cat's eye health.

References

  1. Hume-Smith, M. E., Hackett, A. R., Korevaar, E. C., Alexandersson, A., & Larsen, C. M. (2012). Anaphylactic events observed within 4 hours of ocular application of an antibiotic-containing ophthalmic preparation in 61 cats (1993–2010). Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 14(10), 744–751. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfms.2011.06.007
  2. Nyman, B. D., Ober, J. B., & Johnson, D. R. (2016). Corneal Diseases. In J. E. Bonagura & D. R. Kirk (Eds.), Current Veterinary Therapy XI: Small Animal Practice (pp. 362–376). Elsevier Inc. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-323-42738-3.00021-2
  3. Redding, S. T., Alexander, C., & Lemar, C. L. (2017). Glaucoma. In J. E. Bonagura & D. R. Kirk (Eds.), Current Veterinary Therapy XI: Small Animal Practice (pp. 426–431). Elsevier Inc. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-323-42738-3.00027-2
  4. Rotchin, G. D. (2017). Inflammation and Infectious Diseases of the Eyes. In J. E. Bonagura & D. R. Kirk (Eds.), Current Veterinary Therapy XI: Small Animal Practice (pp. 335–352). Elsevier Inc. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-323-42738-3.00023-6
  5. Wu, J. A., & Bonk, C. D. (2017). Ophthalmic Drug Therapy. In J. E. Bonagura & D. R. Kirk (Eds.), Current Veterinary Therapy XI: Small Animal Practice (pp. 305–324). Elsevier Inc. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-323-42738-3.00020-3

Enrichment Data:

While researching common eye conditions in cats, it was found that some conditions may have additional triggers:

Conjunctivitis

  • Alongside bacterial or viral infections and allergies, foreign bodies may also initiate conjunctivitis in cats.

Corneal Ulcers

  • In addition to infections, injuries, exposure to chemicals, eyelid abnormalities, or dry eye, corneal ulcers might also be caused by exposure to extreme temperatures, eye surgery, or eye drops themselves.

Uveitis

  • Other causes of uveitis in cats may include tumors, glaucoma, and systemic diseases like immune-mediated or infectious diseases.

Keratitis

  • Other causes of keratitis in cats may include infections from fungi or parasites, exposure to environmental irritants, or exposure to certain medications.

Glaucoma

  • Other causes of glaucoma in cats may include lens luxation (lens displacement), tumors, degenerative conditions, or trauma.

Additionally, a review of treatments for these conditions revealed that some medications may have side effects:

Antibiotics

  • In some cases, antibiotic eye drops can lead to irritation or allergic reactions in cats.

Steroids

  • Long-term use of steroid eye drops may lead to glaucoma or cataracts in cats.

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may increase the risk of gastrointestinal ulcers or kidney problems in cats.

Immunosuppressants

  • Immunosuppressants can weaken a cat's immune system, making them more susceptible to infections.

*In the realm of science and health-and-wellness, it's crucial to address mental-health concerns in our feline companions as well as their physical health. Cats can experience stress, anxiety, and depression, much like people do. The signs may include: loss of appetite, reduced interaction, increased scratching or grooming, and vocalization changes.

*To support the mental health of our cats, we can implement various strategies. These include providing a safe and interesting environment, maintaining a consistent routine, offering appropriate social interactions, and using calming products like diffusers, sprays, or collars. A vet can offer advice and guidance on the best approach for a particular cat's needs.

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