Cat Eye Problems and the Treatment of Pink Eye or Conjunctivitis

Cat eye problems that are most common, can be very tricky to treat mainly due to the mystery as to their cause. These cat eye problems, known as pink eye or Conjunctivitis are an inflammation of the lining membrane that covers the inner sides of the eyelids, and surface of the eyeball up to the cornea.

Serous Conjunctivitis in cats, is a mild condition in which the membrane looks pink and somewhat swollen. The discharge is clear and watery. It is most commonly caused by physical irritants to the eye such as wind, cold weather, dust or various allergens. This type of conjunctivitis can be the first sign of a feline viral respiratory disease.

Purulent conjunctivitis often begins as serous conjunctivitis, which becomes secondarily infected by bacteria. Thick secretions crust the lids and the eye discharge contains mucus or pus. When this type of conjunctivitis involves both eyes, your cat may be suffering from a viral respiratory illness. Chlamydia and Mycoplasma are two bacteria-like microorganisms that can cause a purulent conjunctivitis. They can be detected by getting samples from the conjunctival membrane and observing under a microscope. Specific antibiotics are required.

Follicular conjunctivitis occurs when the backsides of the nictitating membrane and upper and lower eyelids enlarge to form a rough surface. This gives an irritated look to the lining membrane and the discharge is mucoid. This type of conjunctivitis is frequently caused by an allergy or infection. A treatment can be undertaken by a vet in which the roughened surface of the conjunctiva is converted back into a smooth membrane.

Mild irritative forms of conjunctivitis can be treated at home. The eye should be cleansed with a dilute solution of boric acid made up for opthalmic use. This can be purchased at drugstores or pharmacies over-the-counter and used as directed for people. You should see definite improvement within 24 hours. If not, have your cat examined by a veterinarian.

Purulent conjunctivitis requires the application of antibiotics several times a day. An ointment containing a combination of neomycin, bacitracin and polymyxin works well.

Complex infections are very hard to clear up. In these cases, you should suspect that the tear ducts may be involved. Repeated cleansing of the eye, correction of any underlying problem, and specific tailored antibiotics form the primary approach to this problem.

Cat eye problems such as pink eye will occasionally respond favorably to eye drops tailored for cats. A commonly asked question is: Can I give my cat eye drops made for humans? While yes, eye drops can be used on humans and cats, Delivering the the wrong dose, or using eye drops for humans that contain certain preservatives can damage cat's eyes. There are a number of eye medications that are used by humans that may be safe and effective for pets, but often the concentration and the frequency of the dosage of the medication may be different. You could always take your bottle of eye drops to the Veterinarian and ask him/her if the drops would be suitable.

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