Have you noticed your cat's eyes have started to cloud over? This may be a sign that your cat is developing cataracts in its eyes. Today, our New York vets will provide information on cataracts in cats and what to look out for.
What are cataracts?
A cataract is a condition where the lens of the eye becomes cloudy or opaque, affecting the cat's ability to see clearly. The lens, which is responsible for focusing light on the retina, becomes obstructed, hindering vision.
Cats of any age, sex, or breed can develop cataracts, but there is a genetic predisposition to inherited cataracts in Himalayas, Birmans, and British Shorthairs.
What causes cataracts in cats?
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, such as diabetes or high blood pressure
- Nutritional imbalances
- Radiation exposure
- Cancer
- Infections such as viral, bacterial, fungal, or protozoal
The primary cause of cataracts in cats is inflammation within the eye, known as uveitis. This inflammation can occur due to various underlying disease processes. Uveitis triggers the body's immune system to wrongly identify the lens as a foreign object, leading to the development of cataracts.
What are the signs of cataracts?
Our New York veterinarians can detect cataracts early in their development during a routine physical exam. However, these cats may not show signs of cataracts at home because the cataracts have not yet progressed to the point where they affect the cat's vision.
It is important to note that cataracts do not cause all hazy eyes. As cats age, the lens often becomes cloudy due to an aging change known as nuclear sclerosis or lenticular sclerosis.
If you're curious, you can use your favorite search engine to look for 'cataracts in cats pictures' and compare what you see with your cat. If you suspect something, contact your veterinarian first.
What are the different types of cataracts in cats?
Feline cataracts are categorized into three main types: incipient, immature, and mature. Incipient cataracts represent the earliest stage and may not result in noticeable changes in the cat's vision.
Immature cataracts are more advanced and can lead to cloudy or hazy vision for the cat. Mature cataracts are the most severe stage; during this stage, the lens becomes completely opaque, resulting in significant vision impairment or blindness for the cat.
How can vets diagnose cataracts?
One common method for diagnosing cataracts in cats is through a comprehensive eye examination. Vets use an ophthalmoscope to examine the cat's lens for any cloudiness or opacity that is indicative of cataracts.
Furthermore, veterinarians may conduct additional tests, such as a slit lamp examination or ultrasound imaging, to obtain a more comprehensive understanding of the cataract and its effects on the cat's vision.
These diagnostic tools enable veterinarians to precisely evaluate the existence and severity of cataracts in cats, which is essential for deciding on the most effective treatment to maintain their vision and overall eye health.
How are cataracts in cats treated?
The best treatment for cataracts is surgery. This surgery involves breaking down and removing the cataract (a process known as phacoemulsification) and then replacing the eye's lens with an artificial lens.
The recovery process for cats after cataract surgery typically involves wearing a protective collar to prevent them from scratching or rubbing their eyes and administering eye drops or medications as prescribed by the veterinarian. It is important to monitor their behavior closely for any signs of discomfort or complications during the healing period.
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 are used to 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.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding people or pets. Always follow your doctor's advice regarding asthma or other allergy symptoms.