Glaucoma in cats is a condition where fluid in the eye fails to drain properly, which increases the pressure within the eye and can result in the optic nerves and the retina degenerating.
This, in turn, can bring about vision issues for the cat and a swelling of one or both eyes. If the condition isn’t treated properly, it can lead to blindness.
If you see any symptoms in your cat, then you should consult your veterinarian right away so they can treat the condition. Here’s what you should know about the symptoms, causes, and treatments for glaucoma in cats.
Symptoms Of Glaucoma In Cats
Symptoms of glaucoma in cats usually present themselves as issues with the eyes. Due to the way the condition can develop, it’s important to get your cat checked out by a vet if they seem to be having any issues with their eyes.
Here are some of the symptoms that might appear in cats who suffer from glaucoma:
- Redness of the eyes
- Swollen eyes
- Cloudy eyes
- Watery discharge from the eyes
- Loss of vision
- A lower appetite
- Continual rubbing of the eyes
Causes Of Glaucoma In Cats
There are actually two types of glaucoma that cats can suffer from, known as primary glaucoma and secondary glaucoma.
Primary glaucoma is a hereditary condition that will affect both of a cat’s eyes, and it’s most common in the Siamese and Burmese breeds of cat.
Secondary glaucoma can affect either both of a cat’s eyes or just one eye, and it’s often the result of eye injury, inflammation of the middle layer of the eye, or an eye disease.
Here are several possible causes of glaucoma in cats:
- Eye infection
- Uveitis (inflammation of the eye’s middle layer)
- Eye injuries
- Eye tumors
- Dislocation of the lens
Treatments For Glaucoma In Cats
If your veterinarian suspects your cat is suffering from glaucoma, they’ll give your feline a thorough eye examination. This will include measuring the pressure of the eyeball, along with assessing fluid drainage. Your vet may also order ultrasounds or X-rays.
If your vet diagnoses your cat with glaucoma, they may place your cat on a course of prescription eye drops. Steroids and pain medication might also be prescribed to help with pain and pressure relief.
If your vet does give you a prescription, you should see if you can fill it at Chewy’s online pharmacy and have the medication delivered to your door.
In some cases, vets may need to perform surgery, which usually involves a procedure called cyclocryotherapy. This helps to adjust the cells that control the eye’s fluid producing process. In severe cases, an operation to remove the eyeball might be recommended.
When a cat is recovering from glaucoma at home, it’s important to make any physical alterations to the living environment to accommodate a reduced level of vision.
Have you ever cared for a cat with glaucoma? How did your vet help out your feline? Tell us about your experience in the comments section below.
