Parkway Veterinary Hospital

 

Common Eye Conditions & Symptoms

Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the membrane that covers both the inner lining of the eyelid and the white of the eye. It may be caused by allergies or by bacterial, fungal or viral infections. In fact, recurrent or chronic conjunctivitis in cats is often the result of herpes viral infections which, just as in humans, can return – again and again. It can be contagious between cats, so keep an infected cat away from other cats.

Corneal Ulceration can occur when the surface of the cornea is scratched or damaged, either as the result of a cat fight or more seriously, a bacterial or viral infection.

Watery Eyes
If your cat’ eyes constantly “weep” or if the fur around them appears “stained”, he may suffer from this inherited defect, in which a malformation of the tear ducts blocks the normal flow of tears.

Cataracts & Glaucoma
Cats, just like humans, can have these serious eye diseases. Cataracts, which cloud the lens inside the eye, are most often seen in elderly or diabetic cats. A thorough evaluation by your veterinarian is necessary, as surgery is the only treatment. Glaucoma stems from too much pressure being exerted upon the eye’s interior as a result of a decrease in the amount of fluid draining from it.

How to Administer Eye Drops

1. Remove any discharge around the eye with a cotton ball moistened with saline solution.
2. Hold your cat sideways on your lap or place him on a table at a comfortable height (you may want someone to help restrain your cat if you choose the second option).
3. See the instructions on the bottle for dosage. Shake if necessary.
4. Use one hand to hold the bottle between thumb and index while using the other to support the cat’ head.
5. Tilt the head back and, to prevent blinking, use your free fingers to hold the eyelids open.
6. Hold the bottle of drops close to the eye but DON’T touch the eye’ surface.
7. Squeeze, aiming the drops at the centre of the eye, then release the head after the drops are in the eye.
8. Your cat will blink, spreading the medication over the eye’ surface.