Squinting, discharge, cloudiness, or a change in your cat’s vision can have several causes, and appearance alone cannot tell you which one is responsible. Contact a veterinarian promptly about eye discomfort, unusual changes, suspected injury, or apparent vision loss; examination is important because some conditions can threaten vision.
The six problems below affect different parts of the eye, but their signs can overlap. A veterinarian can examine the eye and choose appropriate tests and treatment.
When to contact a veterinarian
Contact your veterinarian promptly if your cat has eye discomfort with discharge, persistent squinting or rubbing, cloudiness, a visibly enlarged eye, different-looking pupils, apparent vision loss, or a suspected injury. If signs are severe or sudden and your regular veterinarian is unavailable, contact a local veterinary emergency service.
Do not try to diagnose the cause from discharge color or a photograph. A red, watery, or cloudy eye can result from more than one condition, and treatment depends on the diagnosis.
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Comparing six common cat eye problems
| Condition | Part of the eye affected | Signs owners may notice | Veterinary assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conjunctivitis | Membrane lining the eyelids and covering part of the eyeball | Redness or swelling, discharge, squinting, frequent blinking | Eye examination; treatment depends on the suspected cause |
| Corneal ulcer | Outer surface of the cornea | Squinting, rubbing, discharge, cloudiness, light sensitivity | Eye examination and fluorescein dye test |
| Uveitis | Uvea, the structures inside the eye | Eye discomfort, redness, cloudiness, or vision changes | Complete ophthalmic examination; investigation may include looking for an associated disease |
| Glaucoma | Pressure-regulating structures and optic nerve | Cloudy or enlarged eye, squinting, dilated pupil | Tonometry to measure pressure inside the eye |
| Cataract | Lens | Clouding behind the pupil, difficulty seeing or navigating | Eye examination and assessment for underlying contributors |
| Retinal detachment | Retina at the back of the eye | Apparent vision loss, bumping into objects, difficulty with familiar routes | Examination and assessment for associated systemic disease, including high blood pressure |
1. Conjunctivitis
What it is and what causes it
Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the membrane lining the eyelids and covering part of the eyeball. Cornell describes it as the most frequently diagnosed feline eye disorder. Viruses and bacteria are common causes; dust, airborne chemicals, or plant exposure can also irritate the eye.
Signs
- Redness or swelling of the conjunctiva or third eyelid
- Discharge that may range from watery to thick and dark
- Squinting or frequent blinking
Discharge and squinting do not establish the cause. Other, more serious disorders can have similar signs, so Cornell advises veterinary care when discomfort and discharge are present.
Diagnosis and treatment
A veterinarian examines the eye and determines whether testing or treatment is appropriate. Treatment depends on the suspected cause. Veterinary approaches may include antibiotic drops or ointment, or topical antiviral medication when herpesvirus is suspected. Do not use medication without veterinary guidance.
2. Corneal ulcers
What they are and what causes them
A corneal ulcer is a loss of cells in the cornea’s outer layer. Causes include scratches, an object trapped under the eyelid, chemical exposure, and infection. Recurrent feline herpesvirus infection is another frequent cause identified by Cornell.
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- Discharge, cloudiness, or inflammation
- Sensitivity to bright light
- Squinting or rubbing the eye
- Apparent trouble seeing
Deep ulcers can threaten vision or the eye itself. A veterinarian can examine the eye and use fluorescein dye as part of the assessment.
Diagnosis and treatment
Treatment depends on the ulcer’s severity and aims to control inflammation and pain and prevent infection. A veterinarian may recommend an Elizabethan collar to help prevent rubbing, which can worsen the injury and interfere with healing.
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3. Uveitis
What it is and what causes it
Uveitis is inflammation inside the eye involving the uvea. It may be associated with infectious, immune-mediated, or metabolic disorders. In some cases, the cause is not immediately apparent and requires veterinary investigation.
Signs and diagnosis
Signs can include discomfort, redness, cloudiness, and changes in vision. A complete ophthalmic examination is used to diagnose uveitis and assess the eye.
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Treatment and prognosis depend on the stage, cause, and control of any associated disease. Veterinary treatment may involve topical or systemic anti-inflammatory medication. Uveitis can also contribute to secondary glaucoma, making follow-up important.
4. Glaucoma
What it is and what causes it
Glaucoma occurs when pressure inside the eye increases, potentially damaging the optic nerve. In cats, secondary glaucoma is more common than primary glaucoma and can follow uveitis.
Signs and diagnosis
Possible signs include a progressively cloudy or enlarged eye, squinting, or a dilated pupil that does not react to light. A cat’s behavior may look normal despite significant disease. A veterinarian can measure eye pressure using tonometry.
Treatment
Glaucoma damage is not reversible. Veterinary treatment may relieve pain and slow progression, and surgery may be considered when pain cannot be controlled. Prompt veterinary evaluation matters because vision may already be substantially affected when signs are noticed.
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5. Cataracts
What they are and what causes them
A cataract is clouding or opacity of the lens, which interferes with light passing through to the retina. Cataracts can be small or severe and affect one or both eyes. They may be associated with age, metabolic problems, diabetes or hypertension, trauma, or an unknown cause.
Signs and diagnosis
Vision changes may show as bumping into furniture, reduced agility, difficulty finding familiar items, or caution on stairs. A veterinary examination can identify a lens change and assess possible underlying contributors.
Not every cloudy eye has a cataract. Glaucoma and corneal disease can also cause cloudiness, so an examination is needed to distinguish them.
Treatment
Managing an associated disease may slow cataract progression. Surgery may be considered for selected cats, depending on veterinary assessment.
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6. Retinal detachment
What it is and what causes it
The retina is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. Retinal detachment is a major cause of feline blindness and is most often associated with high blood pressure, an overactive thyroid, or kidney disease.
Signs and diagnosis
Behavioral signs of vision loss can include bumping into furniture, misjudging stairs, and difficulty finding food or the litter box. Retinal detachment cannot be diagnosed reliably at home. A veterinarian can examine the eye and assess for associated systemic disease.
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Treatment and outlook
Prompt and appropriate veterinary treatment may restore partial vision in some cases, but permanent blindness is common. Seek veterinary evaluation promptly if your cat appears to lose vision.
What to expect at the veterinary visit
The veterinarian will examine the eye and select tests based on the signs and suspected condition. A fluorescein dye test can help assess a corneal ulcer, while tonometry measures pressure inside the eye and can help assess glaucoma. A complete ophthalmic examination may be needed for conditions such as uveitis or retinal detachment. The veterinarian may also investigate associated systemic disease.
What to do while arranging care
- Contact your veterinarian and describe the signs, when they began, and whether your cat seems to see normally.
- Note whether one or both eyes are affected and whether the signs are changing.
- Follow veterinary instructions about handling the eye and any prescribed treatment.
- Do not use leftover prescription drops or try to treat the eye without veterinary guidance.
FAQ
Why is my cat squinting or holding one eye shut?
Squinting can occur with conjunctivitis, a corneal ulcer, uveitis, glaucoma, or another problem. The sign alone cannot identify the cause. Contact a veterinarian promptly, especially if there is discharge, cloudiness, rubbing, or an apparent vision change.
Is a cloudy eye always a cataract?
No. Cataracts affect the lens, but glaucoma and corneal disease can also make an eye look cloudy. A veterinary examination is needed to distinguish them.
Can I tell what is causing eye discharge by its color?
No. Discharge and redness can occur with different conditions. Their appearance alone does not establish whether the cause is infectious or something else.
How does a veterinarian check for a corneal ulcer?
A veterinary examination and fluorescein dye test can help confirm an ulcer. Treatment depends on its severity and cause.
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Can glaucoma damage a cat’s vision permanently?
Yes. Glaucoma can cause irreversible damage. Tonometry helps a veterinarian measure pressure inside the eye and assess the condition.
Can retinal detachment be related to another illness?
Yes. In cats it is most often associated with high blood pressure, an overactive thyroid, or kidney disease. A veterinarian can examine the eye and investigate possible contributors.
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