Blog

The cornea is the round, clear surface that covers the front portion of your cat’s eyeball. It acts to maintain the shape of the eye and protect its contents, whilst allowing light to travel through to the other components of the eye to enable vision. The cornea itself is made up of four different layers of cells and is supplied by vessels and protected by a film of tears. Corneal ulcers occur when the protective outer layer of epithelial cells is damaged exposing the more delicate tissues underneath. If untreated, corneal ulcers can lead to severe pain and blindness.

Causes of Corneal Ulcers in Cats

• Viral infection with Feline Herpes Virus (FHV-1) causes the majority of corneal ulcers in cats
• Trauma or damage to the cornea due to scratches, dust or foreign bodies such as grass seeds
• Paralysis of the facial nerve
• Tear deficiency
• Chemical burns

Symptoms

Corneal ulcers are painful which is likely to make your cat blink more frequently or hold their eye partially or completely shut. They may be sensitive to light and rub at their eye with their paw. The eye may appear red and cloudy and there is often a discharge from the eye.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of corneal ulcers involves placing a fluorescent dye on the cornea, which will show up any defects or ulcers in the corneal surface. The eye and associated conjunctival membranes are checked for the presence of foreign bodies, which can lodge behind the third eyelid. Your vet may also recommend checking your cat’s intraocular pressure as this may help guide treatment.

Treatment

Treatment of corneal ulcers usually includes pain medication along with frequent administration of antibiotic eye drops and eye lubricants which are applied until the ulcer is healed. See below for a short video on how to administer your cat’s eye ointment. Given there is likely to be a number of medications dispensed or your cat, please ensure to read all drug labels carefully and don’t hesitate to ask one of our staff if your are unsure. For cats with suspected or confirmed FHV-1 infections, antiviral medications may also be prescribed.

Keeping your cat inside and away from bright light will help reduce the pain he/she is feeling. Revisits are necessary at frequent intervals to assess the healing process. Occasionally eye drops and ointments are not sufficient and other treatments or procedures are required to help the cornea heal. Without treatment, ulcers can become deeper and deeper until they penetrate through the cornea completely, causing massive damage to the eye.

As you are aware, eyes are very important in providing vision, so it is imperative that we treat any problems with them as soon as they develop. If you have any concerns about your cat’s eyes it is best to seek veterinary attention immediately.

Disclaimer: Please note that the information provided on this page does not replace the advice of your veterinarian. If you are concerned about your cat’s health in any way, we strongly recommend you seek veterinary advice.