If your cat's eyes appear cloudy, they may have developed a condition known as cataracts. Here, our East Setauket vets discuss cataracts in cats, the signs that may appear and how surgery can help treat this eye condition.
The Effect of Cataracts on Cats
A cataract refers to an increase in the opacity of the lens of the eye. The lens, a structure within the eye composed of protein fibers encased within a capsule, focuses light on the retina and allows clear vision.
When a cat develops a cataract, the normally clear lens becomes cloudy or opaque, interfering with light's ability to reach the retina. The severity of the cataract can significantly impact the cat's vision.
Cataracts can occur in cats of any age, sex, or breed. A genetic predisposition to inherited cataracts has been observed in Himalayas, Birmans, and British Shorthairs.
What causes cats to develop cataracts?
There are many possible causes of cataracts. Any damage to the lens can cause cataracts to form.
Causes of cataracts that have been described in cats include the following:
- Inflammation within the eye
- Genetic or hereditary factors
- Trauma to the eye
- Metabolic diseases (diabetes or high blood pressure)
- Nutritional imbalances
- Radiation exposure
- Cancer
- Infections (viral, bacterial, fungal, or protozoal)
Inflammation of the eye, or uveitis, is the most common cause of cataracts in cats. This can happen as a result of a variety of underlying disease processes. Uveitis can cause the body's immune system to mistake the lens for a foreign object, contributing to the formation of cataracts.
Signs & Symptoms of Cataracts in Cats
Our East Setauket veterinarians often detect cataracts early in their development during a routine physical exam. However, these cats may not show signs of cataracts at home because they have not yet progressed to the point where they affect the cat's vision.
You should be aware that cloudy eyes are not only caused by cataracts. As cats age, the lens becomes cloudy due to an aging change known as nuclear or lenticular sclerosis (hardening).
We won't be sharing photos here, as the appearance of cataracts can vary from case to case. However, you can use your favorite search engine to look for 'cataracts in cats pictures' and compare what you see with your cat. If you have any concerns, please get in touch with your vet right away.
Types of Cataracts in Cats
Feline cataracts are classified into three main types: incipient, immature, and mature. Incipient cataracts are the earliest stage and may not cause noticeable changes in the cat's vision. Immature cataracts are more advanced and can lead to cloudy or hazy vision. Mature cataracts are the most severe stage, where the lens becomes completely opaque, resulting in significant vision impairment or blindness for the cat.
Diagnosing Cats With Catracts
A comprehensive eye examination is one standard method for diagnosing cataracts in cats. Vets use an ophthalmoscope to examine the cat's lens for any cloudiness or opacity indicative of cataracts.
Additionally, vets may perform other tests, such as a slit lamp examination or ultrasound imaging, to get a more detailed view of the cataract and its impact on the cat's vision. These diagnostic tools allow vets to accurately assess the presence and severity of cataracts in cats, which is crucial for determining the best course of treatment to preserve their vision and overall eye health.
Treating Cataracts in Cats
The most common treatment for cataracts is surgery. This surgery involves breaking down and removing the cataract (a process known as phacoemulsification) and then replacing the lens of the eye with an artificial lens.
If your cat has significant inflammation within the eye, cataract surgery may not be an option. Unfortunately, no medications can dissolve cataracts or slow their progression. This means that cataracts will persist. Fortunately, cataracts are not painful, and cats typically adjust well to blindness.
Medications like corticosteroids or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory eye drops reduce the inflammation within the eye in cats with untreated cataracts. Although these drugs won't impact the cataract itself, it's still critical to manage inflammation to avoid glaucoma, a potential side effect of both inflammation and cataracts. Since glaucoma is difficult to treat medically and frequently necessitates the removal of the eye, medical treatment of feline cataracts often focuses on avoiding secondary glaucoma.
Helping Your Cat Recover After Cataract Surgery
Your vet will be sure to provide you with specific instructions for your cat's post-op care. Be sure to follow those instructions carefully. In many cases, aftercare instructions for cats who have undergone cataract surgery look something like the outline below:
Post-Operative Tips for Cats
Following cataract surgery, your feline friend will likely need to wear a protective e-collar (plastic cone) for three weeks or more to prevent pawing or scratching at the eye.
Eye drops are frequently prescribed to be administered up to four times a day for four weeks, then gradually decreasing to a couple of times a day. It is essential to continue using the eyedrops as directed. Discontinuing use early may lead to irreversible eye damage. Long-term use of eye drops may be prescribed to help fight inflammation and reduce the risk of glaucoma and other eye problems.
Along with eye drops, antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs are generally prescribed for cats following cataract surgery to help fight infection and reduce discomfort.
Follow-up appointments will be required. These appointments allow your veterinarian to monitor your cat's recovery process and check for signs of complications. Expect to take your cat for follow-up exams at about the 1, 2, 4, and 8-week mark. Your veterinarian may wish to see your cat a couple of times a year after that to monitor the health of the eye.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.