Eye diseases in cats: symptoms and treatment, photos of each disease

Every person knows that the nose is a unique indicator of an animal’s health. But many people forget that the eyes can also signal poor health and the development of pathology in the animal.

What eye diseases occur in cats, as well as methods of treating them, will be discussed in this article.

Healthy eyes in a cat

A healthy cat's eyes should be clear, without clouding, the whites should be light, and the eyelids should not be swollen. The discharge from the corners of the eyes is light and almost invisible.

Health problems are signaled by:

swelling, redness and inflammation of the eyelids;
lacrimation;
discharge from the eyes.

Sick cats squint in the light, sometimes the third eyelid closes the eye.

A cat's affected eye is very different from a healthy one.

Physiological characteristics of the eyes in different breeds of cats

In some cases, eye discharge in cats is not a cause for concern. For example, in British and Scottish cats, due to the special shape of the skull, the tear ducts are often narrowed, so these breeds suffer from tearfulness.

A similar problem occurs in Persian cats, but in addition to narrowed tear ducts, they also have crooked nasal passages, so the discharge from the eyes may be brown. If the cat has received all its vaccinations on time, doctors recommend not to worry about this and to wipe the cat’s eyes daily with a cotton pad soaked in chamomile infusion or warm boiled water.

Due to the flat shape of the muzzle, Persian cats have altered tear ducts and nasal passages.

Cat eye colors

In purebred individuals, the possible shade of the iris is determined by the standard.
The shade of the organ cannot be determined in kittens under 1 year of age, as it changes. Eye color depends on the tone of the coat and the type of animal, if we talk about purebred individuals. The characteristics of the subtype indicate the possible shades of the iris. Ordinary street kittens are more likely to have a brown tone, while purebred kittens are more likely to have a blue, yellow and green tone. Cats with blue eyes see worse because their tapetum contains less luminescent pigment.

Eye diseases in cats

With all the variety of eye diseases in cats, they can be divided into two large groups:

Damage and diseases of protective devices (eyelids and skin around the eyes).
Diseases of the eye itself, or more precisely, the eyeball.

Diseases of the protective devices of the eye

Diseases of the eyelids are divided into:

inflammatory (blepharitis);
non-inflammatory (entropion, ptosis, trauma).

Blepharitis

Blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelids. Often cat owners confuse it with conjunctivitis, but this is not the same thing at all. There are several types of blepharitis:

Scaly - got its name because of the grayish scales that appear at the roots of the eyelashes. After some time, if left untreated, the eyelashes fall out, and pus appears in place of the scales. In cats with this disease, the eyelids are red and swollen.
Ulcerative - develops from scaly. After the pus dries, ulcers remain on the eyelids, through which infection can enter the body. As the ulcers heal, the resulting scar tissue often tightens the skin, causing entropion.
Meibomian - characterized by inflammation and increased secretion of the meibomian glands, which are located on the edges of the eyelids. The disease appears when microorganisms penetrate the ducts of these glands, as a result of which the latter begin to secrete pus, and the edge of the eyelid thickens and turns red.

With blepharitis, the eyelids become swollen, red, and crusts and pus may appear on them.

Blepharitis can result from various causes:

fungal infections, especially the causative agent of lichen;
the development of pathological microorganisms, among which streptococci and staphylococci are especially active;
allergies to food, plants, dust and any other pathogens (in this case, blepharitis is especially severe, the animal’s temperature rises, photophobia begins, it rubs its muzzle against furniture and can further damage the eye);
parasitic infestations, especially tick-borne ones;
mechanical damage, for example, scratches received in a fight;
autoimmune and endocrine diseases;
surgical intervention to transplant salivary glands is a rather rare manipulation that surgeons perform in case of insufficiency of the function of the lacrimal glands in cats (the malaise in this case is caused by the fact that salivary enzymes aggressively act on the delicate skin of the eyelids).

The veterinarian performs a slit lamp examination, takes blood tests and a biopsy of the skin of the eyelids, and then prescribes treatment depending on the cause of the disease.

Usually it proceeds according to the following scheme:

The edges of the eyelids are disinfected with an antiseptic.
A gentomycin or methyluracil suspension is injected into the conjunctival sac.
Crusts and scales are softened with Vaseline and carefully removed.
Drops are put into the eye.
If a fungus is detected, fungicidal ointments and three-stage vaccination are used.
If the disease is caused by microorganisms, antibiotics to which they are sensitive are prescribed in ointments or injections.

Home remedies alone cannot cure blepharitis, but they will be a good addition to the therapy prescribed by your doctor. It is recommended to wash your cat's eyes daily with a decoction of chamomile, hyssop, sage or calendula, and also use special Phytomins for the eyes, which are added to food.

Phytomins are a large series of veterinary products made from natural raw materials and designed to solve various problems that arise in cats and other pets.

Entropion of the eyelids

With this disease, the outer edge of the eyelid turns inward, and the hair and eyelashes covering it injure the cornea of the eye. Most often, Sphynxes, Persians and Britons suffer from entropion, but other breeds are not immune to this pathology. Various reasons lead to inversion of the eyelids:

a congenital defect in the development of the eyelids, in which they grow too long;
mechanical damage to the eye during play or fighting with other animals;
a scar formed after healing of an injury or burn;
facial paralysis;
age-related changes, loss of skin and muscle elasticity;
spasm of the muscles surrounding the eyes;
neoplasms or foreign bodies in the eye.

The lower eyelid rolls up much more often than the upper eyelid

Symptoms of entropion may appear mild at first, but if the disease is not treated immediately, they will increase. The most common signs include:

redness of the eyes;
reduction or change in the shape of the palpebral fissure;
photophobia;
lacrimation;
abundant formation of pus in the eyes.

The animal may also squint and rub its eyes with its paws. If these signs appear, the cat should be taken to the doctor immediately.

Treatment proceeds as follows:

The veterinarian takes blood tests, urine tests, and an electrocardiogram to make sure the cat will tolerate the anesthesia.
The animal is not fed 12 hours before surgery.
After putting the cat under anesthesia, the veterinarian cuts off an extra piece of skin from the eyelid and fixes the remaining part in the desired position with a surgical suture.
Entropion of the eyelids in cats is corrected surgically
If the cornea is severely damaged, it is covered with a third eyelid, which promotes healing, and tetracycline ointment is applied.

At home, the owner must treat his pet's eyelids with antibiotic ointment for ten days, after which the suture is removed in the clinic. In almost all cases, the cat makes a full recovery.

Ptosis

Ptosis is an involuntary drooping of the upper eyelid. With this disease, the cat cannot fully open its eyes, the eyelid does not rise voluntarily, and the palpebral fissure narrows.

Ptosis is a disease that causes drooping of the upper eyelid

Its causes are very similar to those that cause entropion:

facial paralysis;
weakness of the orbicularis oculi muscle;
complications of inflammatory diseases.

Accordingly, surgical treatment is carried out in the same way as the treatment of entropion.

Lagophthalmos

In appearance, an eye affected by lagophthalmos may resemble the eye of a cat with ptosis. The palpebral fissure is narrowed, but the animal cannot completely close the eye and also suffers from lacrimation.

The causes of lagophthalmos can be:

facial paralysis;
scars that remain after bloat or blepharitis;
congenital pathologies.

Treatment of lagophthalmos is exclusively surgical.

Other diseases

Less common eyelid diseases include:

ankyloblepharon - fusion of the eyelids, or failure to open the eyes in kittens, can be caused by early conjunctivitis;
symblepharon - fusion of the eyelids with the conjunctiva of the eye;
prolapse of the third eyelid - prolapse of the lacrimal gland.
Prolapse is a disease in which the lacrimal gland of the third eyelid loses its normal anatomical position, falls out of the conjunctival sac and becomes noticeable as a pink, round formation in the inner corner of the palpebral fissure.

For these diseases, only surgical treatment is indicated.

Diseases and damage to the eyeball itself

Lesions of the eye itself are more dangerous than diseases of the eyelids, as they more often lead to blindness. They can also be divided into inflammatory (conjunctivitis) and non-inflammatory (glaucoma).

Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is one of the most common eye diseases in cats. This is partly due to the fact that it can be caused by many reasons, including:

viruses, bacteria and fungi, and if fungi infect the conjunctiva, then the viral infection can be generalized;
allergens - cause inflammation of the conjunctiva, as well as symptoms such as itching, runny nose, watery eyes and sneezing;
mechanical damage - serves as an entry gate for infection;
parasites, or rather, toxins released by them into the internal environment of the body;
colds and weakened immunity;
ultraviolet radiation (UV lamps, LED lamps for polymerization of gel polish).

With conjunctivitis, cats' eyes become cloudy and their eyelids swell

There are several types of conjunctivitis, which, if left untreated, can transform into one another, and the course of the disease becomes more complicated:

catarrhal conjunctivitis is characterized by mucous discharge, swelling and lacrimation, it is easy to get rid of if treatment is started immediately;
purulent is easily recognized by yellow-green discharge that accumulates in the corner of the eye and on the fur under it, the eyelids can stick together, it is dangerous for complications such as keratitis and panophthalmitis, which can lead to blindness;
phlegmonous - with this type of conjunctivitis, pus not only comes out, but also accumulates intradermally, so it is much more difficult to get rid of it;
follicular - inflammation and protrusion of the follicles that are located on the inside of the eyelid; this is a chronic disease that requires long-term and intensive treatment.

Treatment of conjunctivitis is determined by the veterinarian depending on the cause and type of the disease, but usually it occurs in several stages:

The veterinarian washes the eye with furatsilin solution. After this, at home you need to wash the cat’s eyes every 3-4 hours with black tea or a decoction of chamomile or calendula.
After washing behind the eyelid, or in extreme cases, an antibacterial ointment is applied to the eyelid.
Also, after each wash, drops prescribed by the doctor are instilled.
If purulent, phlegmonous or follicular conjunctivitis is diagnosed, it is necessary to inject antibiotics intramuscularly; in case of an allergic variant, the animal is given antihistamines.
After treating your cat's eyes, you must wash your hands, since animal conjunctivitis is contagious to humans.

Keratitis

Keratitis is an inflammatory disease in which the cornea of the eye becomes cloudy. There can be many reasons for this:

mechanical damage to the cornea due to impact or foreign bodies;
corneal burns;
infectious diseases affecting the body as a whole;
inflammation of the lacrimal glands;
avitaminosis;
herpes virus;
diabetes;
chronic renal failure;
conjunctivitis (keratitis can develop based on it).

Keratitis is easily recognized by the fact that the cornea becomes cloudy

The symptoms of keratitis appear very quickly, and it is almost impossible not to notice them:

the cornea of the eye loses its transparency and can grow blood vessels;
Fluid accumulates under the cornea and it bulges;
discharge of mucus and pus from the eye appears;
The cat suffers from photophobia.

First of all, the veterinarian must identify the cause of keratitis and, depending on it, prescribe treatment:

if keratitis is caused by a fungus, long-term fungicidal ointments are indicated;
for viral keratitis, drugs containing interferon are used;
in case of bacterial infection, antibiotics and sulfa drugs are prescribed;
for allergic keratitis, antihistamines help;
Bullous keratitis, characterized by the appearance of bubbles with liquid, is treated with Solcoseryl ointment.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma in cats, as in humans, is characterized by increased intraocular pressure and subsequent degenerative changes in the retina and optic nerve. The development of this pathology is caused by:

arterial hypertension;
age-related changes;
untreated chronic diseases;
congenital developmental pathologies;
diabetes;
genetic predisposition;
long-term use of hormonal drugs.

Symptoms of glaucoma are:

redness of the eyes;
lacrimation;
increase in eye size;
constant dilation of the pupil with lack of reaction to light.

In glaucoma, the pupil in the affected eye is dilated and does not respond to light.

For glaucoma, medications are prescribed to reduce intraocular pressure, but the desired effect can only be achieved through surgery. Glaucoma surgeries are now performed using lasers.

Other eye diseases

Less common diseases that cat owners sometimes encounter include:

exophthalmos - loss of the eye from the orbit due to the open structure of the orbit in cats, can be caused by infection or neoplasm;
enophthalmos - retraction of the eye into the orbit; it can also be caused by a tumor or inflammation;
microfalm - pathological reduction of the eyeball, often congenital, can appear in kittens whose mother was treated with teratogenic drugs during pregnancy;
proptosis - complete loss of the eyeball, to which Persian cats are predisposed; in some cases the eye can be straightened, in others it is necessary to resort to removal;
uveitis is a lesion of the choroid of the eye, in which the iris is involved in the process and is treated with great difficulty;
iritis - inflammation of the iris and ciliary body, which can be treated with ointments and antibiotic drops;
dermoid is a very rare disease in which the eye grows with skin tissue containing hair follicles; surgical removal of the altered areas is indicated;
atrophy - compression of the eyeball, in which its removal is indicated.

Diseases and damage to the protective devices of the organ of vision, photographs, symptoms

Bruises and mechanical injuries without breaking the integrity

occurs as a result of impact with a blunt object or other mechanical damage (falling, bumping into non-sharp objects).

Symptoms:

bruising;
hematomas (accumulation of blood clots in the tissues around the eyes);
swelling with increased local temperature within the injury;
changes in the size of the eyeball.

Treatment: will depend on the severity of the damage and it is necessary to show the animal to a veterinarian. The eye is washed, if there is pain, 2% novocaine, antimicrobial drops or ointments are applied; cold may be needed for hematomas (only on the eyelid area, not on the eyeball). In case of complications, surgical intervention with removal of the eye is possible.

Wounds and open lesions

cat fights, strong blows, falls on sharp objects, etc., which leads to rupture of skin tissue.

Main features:

violation of the integrity of the skin;
obvious bleeding from visible injured areas,

Treatment: washing the damaged area with hydrogen peroxide (without getting on the cornea), hemostatic therapy, sutures may be required, anesthesia, local antimicrobial therapy, surgical intervention for complex damage to the organ of vision (eye microsurgery or removal of the entire organ).

Blepharitis

inflammation of the eyelids, provoked by injuries, bacterial or fungal infections, vitamin deficiency, disorders of the pancreas and liver, allergic reactions. Main features:

redness of the eyelids;
swelling;
profuse lacrimation;
photophobia;
itching and burning;
loss of hair and eyelashes around the eyelids.

Treatment: symptomatic. Rinsing sore eyes with a decoction of chamomile or calendula, a solution of boric acid, manganese or furatsilin. The use of eye drops indicated for blepharitis. For purulent infection - antibiotic therapy.

Entropion of the eyelids

Description: a consequence of some eye diseases (blepharitis, conjunctivitis, etc.), as well as a genetic predisposition of some cat breeds (Persians and Sphynxes). Main features:

visual turning of the eyelid into the eye;
irritation of the eyeball in the form of redness;
blepharospasm (reflexive closing of the eyelids and closing of the eye at the slightest tactile or light influence on it due to spasm of the teres muscle);
ulcers on the cornea in places of constant contact with the eyelid;
lacrimation.

Treatment: surgical.

Eversion of the eyelids

Description: a consequence of primary eye diseases in a chronic course and a feature of some cat breeds. It occurs very rarely - less often than bloat. Main features:

spastic closure of the eye (blepharospasm);
lacrimation;
visible area of the eyelid mucosa at the site of eversion;
inflammation of the conjunctiva.

Treatment: surgical.

Fusion of eyelids

Description: May be congenital or acquired. Physiological fusion is observed after birth. Acquired fusion is observed after injuries, prolonged blepharitis, chemical or thermal burns. Main features:

inability to separate eyelids;
the presence of a continuous strip of skin between the eyelids;
the presence of a scar between fused eyelids.

Treatment: surgical – eyelid separation, postoperative care.

Lagophthalmos

Description: inability to completely cover the eye, which occurs with paralysis of the facial nerve, eversion and inversion of the eyelids, genetic shortness of the eyelids (“half-closed” eye). Main features:

constantly slightly open palpebral fissure;
lacrimation;
lag of the lower eyelid from the eyeball.

Treatment: surgical with preliminary use of antimicrobial eye drops and corneal protectors.

Ptosis

Description: Involuntary drooping of the upper eyelid due to facial paralysis or orbicularis muscle atrophy. It can also be a consequence of inflammatory eye diseases. Main features:

narrowness of the palpebral fissure;
inability to raise the eyelid to normal level.

Treatment: surgical.

Tumors and various neoplasms

Description: the development of tumors in the eye area can be triggered by any disease in this area, as well as a genetic predisposition to cancer. Main features:

visible neoplasms upon examination;
lacrimation;
painlessness.

Treatment: surgical.

What symptoms require urgent veterinary help?

A healthy cat's eyes should be clean, shiny, wide open, and the animal should not rub them frequently with its paw. Any of the following symptoms is a reason to consult a doctor immediately:

redness, swelling, or thickening of the eyelids;
discharge of mucous, purulent or bloody contents from the corners of the eyes;
lacrimation;
photophobia;
lack of pupillary reaction to light;
itching, causing the cat to rub its eye with its paw or rub its muzzle on objects;
inability to fully open or close the eyelid, frequent blinking of one eye;
foreign bodies in the eye, neoplasms on the eyelids;
cloudy or red eyes;
creeping onto the eye of the third eyelid;
wounds, burns or bruises of the eyes and eyelids;
soreness to touch.

What colors do they see?

Cats' vision has been compared to the abilities of colorblind people. There was a theory according to which cats, like dogs, do not distinguish between colors, therefore the world through the eyes of a cat is black and white. But according to the latest data, animals see their surroundings in color, although not as clearly as people. They perceive green and red worse, but produce a large number of gray shades. This device is related to the biological needs of the pet: the cat’s natural prey is mice, which are colored gray, so sensitivity to dark shades allows you to better track rodents.

Medicines used for eye diseases in cats

The main forms of release of drugs prescribed for the treatment of eye diseases are ointments and drops. They also differ in their scope of action - some are active against bacteria, others against viruses and fungi.

Table: drugs used for different types of eye lesions

Indication	Drugs	Operating principle	Application	Price
Inflammatory diseases	Tsiprolet	Ciprofloxacin has a bactericidal effect on streptococci and chlamydia	To prevent complications after surgery	50–80 rub.
Inflammatory diseases	Diamond eyes	Contains chlorhexidine and taurine, has an anti-inflammatory effect	Degenerative changes in the retina, cataract prevention	150–210 rub.
Bacterial infections	Leopard	Levomycetin and furatsilin have a bactericidal effect on a wide range of microorganisms	conjunctivitis; blepharitis; keratitis.	130–170 rub.
	Iris	Gentamicin sulfate eliminates infectious agents	injuries; mechanical damage; septic ulcers.	160–200 rub.
	Levomycetin	Active against microorganisms resistant to penicillin	conjunctivitis; blepharitis; keratitis.	10–30 rub.
Viral infections	Anandin	Glucaminopropylcarbacridone in the composition is effective against chronic and acute viral infections	otitis; rhinitis; conjunctivitis.	45–190 rub.
Mechanical damage	Traumeel	Has an anti-inflammatory effect, relieves pain	injuries; bruises; wounds.	400–500 rub.
Fungal infections	Tetracycline ointment	Antibiotic with a broad spectrum of action, active against bacteria, fungi, protozoa	uveitis; blepharitis; keratitis.	50–250 rub.

Most often, the drugs are not used separately; drops are usually combined with ointment and eye wash. Some products are multifunctional, for example, Iris drops can be used for almost any disease. The combination of medications is selected by the veterinarian in each case individually.

Photo gallery: medications for eye diseases

Tsiprolet - ophthalmic drops indicated for a number of diseases and visual defects

Bars eye drops are a combined antimicrobial drug intended for the care of animal eyes.

Tetracycline ointment is a broad-spectrum antibiotic

Anandin - veterinary eye drops used for the treatment of rhinitis and conjunctivitis in animals, an immunomodulator

The best drugs for treatment

For treatment to be as effective as possible, you need to choose proven means.

Iris

Gentamicin is the active substance in the composition. Kills anaerobic and protozoan bacteria. Prescribed for conjunctivitis, keratitis, blepharitis and corneal erosion. Instilled under the conjunctiva 4 times a day. Course duration – 7 days. Cost: 150 rubles.

Leopard

Chloramphenicol and nitrofural destroy bacteria, microorganisms and viruses. Prescribed to prevent the development of infections due to mechanical damage, for the treatment of acute and chronic forms of conjunctivitis. Before use, clear the eye of purulent discharge, course – 1.5 weeks. Cost: 80 rubles per bottle.

Levomycetin

Antibiotic. Eliminates any infectious agents. Has a wide range of applications:

blepharitis;
keratitis;
infected injuries to the eye area;
any types and stages of conjunctivitis.

Drop onto the eye 3 times a day. The course of treatment is 5-7 days. Can cause side effects - burning, redness of the eyeball. Price: 10-15 rubles.

Folk remedies for treating eyes in cats

In cases where going to the doctor and buying medications is not possible, you can resort to home remedies. Typically used:

tea - brew a tablespoon of black tea with a glass of boiling water, let it cool, soak a cotton pad in the brew and wipe the sore eye with it;
elderberry infusion - pour 10 grams of dried elderberry into 100 ml of boiling water, let it brew for 45 minutes, then strain;
infusion of celandine - chop 5 leaves of the plant and pour two tablespoons of boiling water, let it brew for half an hour and strain;
infusions of calendula, chamomile or St. John's wort - pour 2 tablespoons of dried leaves with a glass of boiling water, leave for 15 minutes and then strain;
aloe leaf juice - grind 2-3 pieces in a blender and strain the juice through cheesecloth.

All means are used according to the same scheme:

Soak a cotton pad in the liquid and gently rub it over the eye from the outer corner to the inner.
After each pass, the disk is replaced with a new one.
Both eyes need to be treated, even if one of them looks healthy.
The cat's eyes must be wiped from the outer corner to the inner corner to avoid the spread of infection to healthy areas.

There is often advice on the Internet to wipe a cat's eyes with olive oil, but veterinarians categorically do not recommend doing this, since a film of oil can create favorable conditions for the proliferation of microorganisms.

Folk remedies are only suitable as a temporary measure to alleviate the animal’s condition; for a complete recovery, treatment prescribed by a doctor is still necessary.

Video: veterinarian shows how to properly treat cats' eyes

Rules for carrying out medical procedures at home

In order for eye treatment products to work as effectively as possible, you need to follow the rules:

If the discharge has dried and stuck together the cat's eyelids, you need to carefully soak the crusts. To do this, just apply a cotton pad soaked in warm boiled water to your eyes several times, after which you can gently spread your eyelids with your fingers.
Then you need to rinse the eye, pouring it with an infusion of herbs or a pharmaceutical product from a syringe or applying a generously moistened cotton pad.
After washing, you need to drip drops, fixing the cat's head and moving the lower eyelid, or apply ointment.
If your cat rubs his eyes with his paws, you should put a protective collar on him.
To prevent the cat from touching its eyes with its paws, a special protective collar is put on it.
After the procedure, you must wash your hands thoroughly.

Caring for cats with eye diseases

A sick cat requires special care to alleviate its condition:

It is better to cut off the tips of the claws with special tweezers so that the animal does not accidentally touch the eyes;
dehydration worsens the body’s condition, so if the cat refuses water, you should give it water from a pipette or wet its lips;
the coat, especially long hair, needs to be combed more often than usual, since it can become matted from lying for a long time; you should not bathe your pet during this period;
if the cat is prescribed antibiotics, stomach upset may occur, so it is worth starting a course of prebiotic;
eliminate irritating factors in the room where the animal is located - dust, bright light, other animals;
During the course of treatment, the cat should not be allowed outside.

Features of the treatment of eye diseases in pregnant cats and kittens

Infectious diseases in pregnant cats are dangerous due to the possibility of abortion or stillbirth of kittens. If signs of eye disease appear, you should immediately consult a doctor and get tested to identify the pathogen.

The veterinarian prescribes antibiotics intramuscularly to cats during pregnancy with great caution, since many of them have teratogenic activity, and does this only if the risk to the cat’s health outweighs the risk of giving birth to sick kittens. Most often, pregnant cats are given Iris drops in their eyes, and sometimes tetracycline ointment is placed behind the eyelid.

Treatment of kittens differs from therapy prescribed to adult cats, only with a reduced dose of the drug. After recovery, it is necessary to give the kitten anthelmintic and receive age-appropriate vaccinations.

Diseases not related to the eyes

Some symptoms common to eye diseases in cats can sometimes be a sign of other dangerous conditions:

photophobia, a desire to hide in a dark place, sometimes appear in pregnant cats, as well as in animals under stress, for example, due to moving or the appearance of other animals in the house;
photophobia can also be a symptom of rabies, although usually in this case it is combined with aggressive behavior, convulsions, foam at the mouth;
viral diseases such as panleukopenia or calcivirus may cause the cat to avoid bright light;
heat stroke can cause redness in the whites of the eyes in cats;
if your cat's eyes are red, remember if you have recently bathed her; perhaps soap or other irritants got into her eyes;
mycoplasmosis and chlamydia can also cause red eyes;
lacrimation may be the cause of helminthic infestation;
If you have a cold, you may also experience profuse discharge from the corners of the eye;
Older cats experience watery eyes in windy weather.

Types and classification of eye diseases

Eye diseases in cats are a broad and multifaceted group of diseases. Pathologies are conventionally divided into two types:

Non-inflammatory (non-infectious) diseases.
Inflammatory (infectious) diseases.

Table. Common eye diseases in cats

Non-communicable diseases	Infectious diseases
Cataract	Keratitis
Mechanical damage	Glaucoma
Drooping of the upper eyelid	Panophthalmitis
Retinal disorder	Conjunctivitis
Eversion and non-closure of eyelids	Inflammation and ulcer of the cornea
Foreign body entry	Neoplasms of the conjunctiva

The list of inflammatory eye diseases in cats includes types of keratitis: superficial, superficial vascular, deep and purulent. Some cat breeds have a fold on their cheeks that injures the cornea of the eye. Then breed keratitis occurs, which must be prevented and treated.

Video - Eye diseases in cats

Infectious diseases

Most of the troubles for cats are caused by infectious diseases that occur in severe forms. A very important and distinctive point of all infectious eye diseases is the incubation period from the moment of infection by the pathogen until the manifestation of symptoms noticeable to cat owners and veterinarians.

Viruses are capable of mass distribution between animals and can be transmitted by airborne droplets from an infected to a healthy organism. Based on the nature of the pathogens that cause eye diseases, there are several types of microorganisms:

Viral.
Fungal.
Protozoans.
Bacterial.

Most of the troubles for cats are caused by infectious diseases that are severe.

The most important are the viral and bacterial group of infections.

Prevention of eye diseases in cats

In most cases, preventing eye diseases is much easier than treating them. To do this, just follow a few rules:

Vaccinate against viral diseases of cats annually;
if the cat is being walked, after each walk it is necessary to examine the eyes for the presence of foreign bodies and lacrimation;
cats, especially long-haired ones, need to be brushed regularly, as hair can also get into the eye;
carry out deworming every 3-4 months and periodically give your pet vitamins;
avoid contact with stray animals;
Regularly treat your animal's eyes with a special lotion.

Trauma or foreign object in the eye

If a kitten's eyes protrude from their sockets, this indicates that the eyes are poorly protected and are at additional risk of injury. Most often occurs in the summer when dry grass appears. Especially often, young pets with damage to the visual organ are brought to see an ophthalmologist. Eye injuries vary in severity:

Bumps and bruises.
Concussion injuries.
Burns of various types.
Internal and external wounds on the cornea of the eye.
Penetration of foreign bodies and blunt objects into the eye.

If your eyes hurt due to a mechanical injury, you will need immediate help from your doctor. As first aid, the eyes are washed with clean water at room temperature or with special ophthalmic antiseptics. It is necessary to monitor the tear flow so that the liquid flows to the nose. A light bandage using sterile gauze is applied to the injured eye. It is slightly moistened with water or an ophthalmic septic tank.

Only a veterinarian can adequately help an animal.

Some household chemicals and home renovation products can cause eye burns. By blocking access to repair work sites, your cat can be protected from various burn injuries. Regarding eye injuries, it is impossible to give advice for all situations. Hidden injuries sometimes occur when animals are contused. Only a surgeon can assess the severity. It is important to follow all subsequent doctor's recommendations.