Cataracts in cats

In humans, cataracts are the world's leading cause of blindness. Cataracts in cats are rare, but the disease is still serious; if left untreated, it may lead to blindness. Thankfully, cataracts in cats cases of feline cataracts can be successfully treated.

The lens in a feline eye—like the lens in a human or canine eye—is a small, translucent structure that adjusts its shape as needed to focus incoming light rays on the retina, a light-sensitive tissue that lines the interior surface of the eyeball. When the retina receives light impulses that have passed through the lens, the impulses are instantaneously transmitted to the brain as visual information via the optic nerve, which is attached to the back of the eye. A cataract is a condition in which the lens becomes cloudy or totally opaque. When this happens, incoming light is impeded, if not totally prevented, from passing through the eye to the retina. In some cases, the affected area of the lens may be tiny, and the resulting impairment in vision will be inconsequential. In other cases, however, the entire lens may be opaque, in which case total blindness will result in an affected eye.

Cataracts in cats

The lens of the eye works much like the lens of a camera, helping to focus on objects so the cat can see them clearly. When cataracts affect a big part of the lens, they cause vision loss and may lead to blindness. Every cat experiences cataracts differently. A cataract may develop rapidly or over a period of time. There are four stages of cataracts:. One of the more common signs is a change in the appearance of the eye. A healthy eye has a transparent pupil, while an eye with cataracts will have a cloudy white film covering part or all of the pupil. Your veterinarian will likely refer you to a veterinary ophthalmologist, who specializes in eye diseases, to ensure your cat is diagnosed correctly. The following tests help confirm the diagnosis:. The only treatment for a cataract is to remove it through surgery. This surgery lets light reach the retina, allowing your cat to see again. If it is not possible to implant an IOL, your cat still will be able to see after surgery but will be farsighted. You will need to administer several types of eye drops at least four times a day and give additional medications orally. Your veterinary ophthalmologist will want to see your cat a number of times after surgery to make sure she is healing and there are no complications.

Glaze, M. The cat will seem reluctant to move about in unfamiliar places.

Cataracts Could Be the Problem. Could you find your way from the kitchen to bathroom wearing a pair of glasses smeared with grease? Unfortunately, the world can look this hazy to cats that have cataracts. Although cataracts are often associated with aging, this eye problem can also affect younger cats. Cataracts occur when the clear lens inside your cat's eye becomes cloudy. The lens focuses light rays on the retina, the part of the eye that converts the rays into electrical impulses. Impulses then travel to the brain for conversion to images.

Night hunting, pouncing on speedy prey, keeping a watch to protect their territory—cats use their keen eyesight for survival in the wild and to live an active life as a pet in the home. Cats are excellent at hiding signs of disease, and it is important to watch for and address concerns quickly for the best outcome. When the eye is involved, it is even more urgent because this sensitive organ can change rapidly, sometimes resulting in complete loss of vision. Cataracts can often be treated in pets, and there are signs and symptoms you can watch for in your feline friend that will allow you to catch issues early. Quick Overview: Cataracts In Cats Common Symptoms : Cloudy appearance to one or both eyes, changes in vision shown by bumping into things, missing jumps, appearing lost, wandering, or generalized decreased activity. Diagnosis : Using an ophthalmoscope, a vet can diagnose cataracts visually during an exam. Requires Ongoing Medication : No Vaccine Available : No Treatment Options : In certain cases, especially hereditary cataracts, a surgery to remove cataracts called phacoemulsification. The lens material is removed and replaced with artificial lenses.

Cataracts in cats

The lens of the eye works much like the lens of a camera, helping to focus on objects so the cat can see them clearly. When cataracts affect a big part of the lens, they cause vision loss and may lead to blindness. Every cat experiences cataracts differently. A cataract may develop rapidly or over a period of time. There are four stages of cataracts:. One of the more common signs is a change in the appearance of the eye. A healthy eye has a transparent pupil, while an eye with cataracts will have a cloudy white film covering part or all of the pupil.

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Cataracts are diagnosed by an ophthalmic exam of the eyes. You must also keep your cat in a confined space for at least three weeks, as complications like swelling and bleeding may occur. Other potential causes include traumatic injury that results in a perforated lens and exposure to certain drugs or toxic substances , radiation, or electric shock. To diagnose cataracts, your veterinarian may perform a variety of tests such as the eye exam and pressure tests. Furthermore, while humans and dogs can develop cataracts due to diabetes, cats with diabetes typically don't get cataracts. For non-surgical candidates, cataracts can be managed by reducing inflammation in the eye that may lead to secondary problems. Poland - Polska. Cats are very good at hiding discomfort and vision changes, so it's crucial to look for potential signs of cataracts, such as:. But, he adds, the behavioral signs may be too subtle to notice. In some cases, surgery may be necessary.

The lens in a feline eye—like the lens in a human or canine eye—is a small, translucent structure that adjusts its shape as needed to focus incoming light rays on the retina, a light-sensitive tissue that lines the interior surface of the eyeball. When the retina receives light impulses that have passed through the lens, the impulses are instantaneously transmitted to the brain as visual information via the optic nerve, which is attached to the back of the eye. A cataract is a condition in which the lens becomes cloudy or totally opaque.

A cataract is a condition in which the lens becomes cloudy or totally opaque. Skip Navigation. Cataracts Could Be the Problem. For Cats. Diagnosis of Feline Cataracts To diagnose cataracts, your veterinarian may perform a variety of tests such as the eye exam and pressure tests. Because of this, a cat with cataracts might also squint or have discharge, redness and swelling around the eye. Your veterinarian will use an instrument called an ophthalmoscope to look at the lens inside the eye. There are four stages of cataracts:. Kennard, G. Blood work, a blood pressure measurement, and a urinalysis will likely be recommended to screen for concurrent conditions. Cats that have uveitis may blink or squint often. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery. Prompt treatment of inflammation is important, as inflammation can be a factor in glaucoma. If your cat has diabetes , treating the underlying condition may decrease the likelihood that cataracts will develop. When the retina receives light impulses that have passed through the lens, the impulses are instantaneously transmitted to the brain as visual information via the optic nerve, which is attached to the back of the eye.