Cats use their eyes to see and interact with us. These are special tools that help them go about their daily routines and activities. When these get damaged, their entire lifestyle and overall health will be compromised.
Key Takeaways
Corneal ulcers are painful, open sores on the surface of the eye.
It’s generally caused by viruses, bacteria, injuries, foreign bodies, chemicals, and other eye conditions.
Treatment consists of surgery, medical management, and supportive care.
What Is a Corneal Ulcer in Cats?
A corneal ulcer is essentially a painful, open sore on the outer surface of a cat’s eye. It’s a condition that requires immediate veterinary care due to the cornea's importance and the severity of the problem.
A cat’s cornea has many functions, including:
Protection against bacteria and debris
Helps direct light into the retina
Assists with providing vision and clarity
When this layer becomes damaged, the open sore can lose its function and endanger the cat’s eyesight and overall health.
What Are the Symptoms of Corneal Ulcers in Cats?
The signs are generally localized to the eyes, making them relatively noticeable. Here are the common observations our veterinarians have.
Excessive Squinting and Blinking. Cats with eye issues, such as corneal ulcers, often squint and blink more frequently in response to irritation and discomfort.
Redness and Inflammation. The eyes and their surrounding tissues can appear red and inflamed.
Tearing and Eye Discharge. A cat with a corneal ulcer may have increased tear production or thick eye discharge. The type of discharge can depend on the causative agent.
Sensitivity to Light. Some cats may become sensitive to light. They’ll start to avoid rooms with bright light and hide in corners, underneath sofas, and enclosed spaces.
Pawing at the Eyes. As the condition progresses, cats will experience increasing irritation in their eyes. This can make them paw at or rub at them, which can worsen the corneal ulcer.
Cloudy or Hazy Eye Appearance. The more damage to the cornea, the cloudier or hazier the eyes will look. This can interfere with a cat's vision.
Behavioral Changes. Cats with corneal ulcers will have noticeable behavioral changes. You might notice decreased activity, reduced appetite, or increased irritability.
What Causes Corneal Ulcers in Cats?
This eye condition can be caused by eye injuries, infections, abnormalities, and other conditions.
Injuries and Trauma
Trauma and injuries to the eye are among the most common reasons why cats get corneal ulcers. Sharp objects, scratching, and small allergens can all contribute to the open sores. Common situations include:
Rough play with other pets
Fights with stray cats
Excessive pawing at the eye
Rubbing the face on furniture
Contact with dust, grass, or sand
Chemical Exposure
Chemicals are a less common cause, but still possible. This risk involves cleaning products and household chemicals. The corneal tissue is sensitive, meaning even a small amount can be highly serious.
Eye Infections
Cat eye infections from bacterial, fungal, and viral agents can lead to corneal ulcers. Feline herpesvirus is the leading cause because it directly infects corneal epithelial cells.
Bacterial ulcers often produce a yellow-green discharge and can progress quickly without treatment. Fungal ulcers are more common in outdoor cats that come into contact with organic material such as soil or decaying plant matter.
Aside from causing eye ulcers in cats, these infections can also delay healing and recovery.
Eye Conditions
In some cats, eyelid abnormalities and structural issues can increase their risk of getting corneal ulcers. One of the most common genetic conditions is feline entropion, a condition in which the eyelid rolls inward.
Dry eye can also be a cause, as the impaired tear production makes the eye vulnerable to foreign bodies and infections. This significantly increases the risk of feline corneal ulcers.
Other possible conditions include ectropion, eyelid tumors, conjunctivitis, and glaucoma.
One such problem is a corneal ulcer, which, as the name suggests, affects the cornea. The cornea is the clear outer layer of a cat's eye and is essential for vision.
In this blog, we’re going to cover the specifics of a cat corneal ulcer, from what it is and how it affects cats to how it's treated and prevented.
Frequently Asked Questions
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