Can Cats Get Glaucoma?

1 Cat Glaucoma

I. Symptoms of Cat Glaucoma

1. The cat feels strong pain, is quieter than usual, eats less, bumps into things, and hides—easy for owners to miss.

2. Pupils dilate and don’t react; pupillary light reflex is lost.

3. The sclera is congested with inflammation; the cornea is edematous and cloudy, taking on a diffuse, blurred blue look.

4. The eyeball enlarges—the so-called ‘bull’s eye’—and exposed keratitis may occur.

5. Congested scleral vessels extend through the limbus onto the cornea, forming a brush border, and retinal degeneration appears.

II. Treatment of Cat Glaucoma

1. Emergency: often pressure exceeds 50 mmHg at visit, so first lower it near normal before maintenance drugs protect the retina. Osmotic diuretics like mannitol and glycerol are most used in emergencies.

2. Beta-blockers/sympathomimetics: topical drops reduce fluid production, e.g. dipivefrin and timolol maleate.

3. Surgery: implant a drainage tube or destroy the ciliary body to reduce fluid production.

III. Prevention of Cat Glaucoma

1. Give enough taurine; it is key for eye health, supporting vision and lowering eye-disease risk.

2. Keep the cat’s sleeping area away from strong light; harsh light irritates eye structures.

3. Schedule regular check-ups; prevention beats treatment, and regular exams are the best prevention. Early glaucoma means earlier cure.

Eye health is necessary for a normal life, and protecting a cat’s eyes is every owner’s duty. If you have other related questions, consult an online pet veterinarian.