Cat Eye Problems, Why the Cloudy Eye?

Cat Eye Problems of the outer eye primarily center around two common ailments, conjunctivitis and the cloudy eye. Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the lining membrane that covers the inner sides of the eyelids, and surface of the eyeball up to the eyelid. It is one of the most common eye problems among felines. There are other diseases which change the clarity of the cats eye turning it "cloudy". This can make the cat seem as if he has a "blind eye". This cloudiness can be minute, appearing as a small localized haziness, or it can make the complete eye seem opaque. In this opaque situation, the inner eye structures are not visible.

Disorders that can cause cloudy eyes in cats are Keratitis, Glaucoma and Cataracts. A corneal abrasion is defined as an injury to the eye caused by a scratch. These injuries are extremely painful. The cat often squints, waters, paws at his eye and light may hurt his eyes. Often the third eyelid comes out to protect the injured eye. If the injury is extensive, the surface of the cornea immediately surrounding the injury becomes swollen, giving it a hazy or cloudy look.

The cause of a corneal abrasion will become apparant based upon it's location. Those in the upper part of the cornea may be caused by misdirected eyelashes on the upper lid. Lower corneal abrasions suggest a foreign body imbedded in the cornea. If the abrasion is near the inner corner of the eye, there may be a foreign body beneath the third eyelid.

Healing of a corneal abrasion usually takes place within 24 to 48 hours. It will not heal if a foreign body is imbedded in the cornea or beneath one of the eyelids. Unless the abrasion is a mild case, examination for foreign bodies under the eyelids should be performed. Any delay will lead to a persistent corneal defect(Ulcer) or inflammation of the cornea (Keratitis)

Keratitis is an inflammation of the cornea or clear part of the front of the cats eye. There is a loss of transparency of the cornea, which at first appears dull, later hazy, then cloudy, and finally is covered by a whitish-blue film. In late stages there is a deposit of black pigment on the cornea, which blocks out light. Keratitis is always considered serious because it may lead to partial or complete blindness in the eye. All forms should be managed by a professional.

Superficial or surface Keratitis is often confused with Conjunctivitis. it is extremely important that a distinction be made so that the cat receives the proper treatment. Keratitis is an extremely painful condition accompanied by excessive tearing, squinting and sensitivity to light. The third eyelid comes out to protect the eye. Conjunctivitis is characterized by a chronic discharge with very little pain.

Infectious Keratitis occurs when a corneal injury becomes complicated by an infection. A pus or mucus-like discharge runs from the eye and the lids are swollen. Several kinds of bacteria cause infectious keratitis. Cultures along with the appropriate antibiotics will be required.

Cataracts are a rare form of cat eye problems. They are defined as any opacity on the lens which interferes with transmission of light to the retina. A spot on the lens, which blocks out light, regardless of its size is technically a cataract. Cataracts are usually a sequel to conjunctivitis in kittens, an old eye injury, or an eye infection. They also may develop later in life in cats who are diabetic.

Glaucoma or "Hard Eye" is due to an increase in fluid pressure within the eyeball. When eye pressure reaches a point at which it is greater than the arterial blood pressure, arterial blood can not enter the eye to nourish the retina. A cats eye that is suffering from acute glaucoma is extremely tender and has a fixed blank look which is due to the hazy and steamy appearance of the cornea and the dilated pupil. If you gently press against the eye with your index finger through the eyelid, the affected eye feels harder than the normal one. excessive tearing and squinting is a response to pain. If chronic glaucoma remains untreated, the result will be an increase size of the eye and protrusion.

Glaucoma can be diagnosed by measuring intraocular pressure with an instrument placed on the surface of the eye and Inspecting the interior of the eye. Some permanant vision may be lost before the disease is discovered. Chronic Glaucoma may be managed for a time with drops and medication.

Cat eye problems producing a cloudy eye should be treated very seriously and professional help should always be obtained.

References: The Cat Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook by Delbert G. Carlson, D.V.M and James M. Giffin, M.D. - First Edition