Would you like to switch to the accessible version of this site?

Go to accessible site Close modal window

Don't need the accessible version of this site?

Hide the accessibility button Close modal window
Accessibility View Close toolbar
Kennebunk Veterinary Hospital

149 Fletcher St

Kennebunk, ME 04043 US

(207) 985-4277

Open mobile navigation
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Services
    • Meet Our Doctors
    • Meet our Staff
    • Our Community
    • Dockside
  • Petsimonials
  • Patient Center
    • First Visit? What to Expect
    • What is the Dr. doing?
    • Payment Options
    • Why Pet Insurance? Why Trupanion?
    • Laser Therapy
    • Why Microchip?
    • My CAREcabinet
    • Pre-Surgical Packet
    • Flea Control Program
    • Porcupine Quills & Your Pet
    • Travel
    • Dental Care
    • Parasite Prevention Pricing
    • Veterinary Websites and Libraries
  • Online Forms
    • New Patient Registration Form
    • Request A Non-Urgent Appointment
    • Cat Boarding Reservation Form
    • Prescription Refill Form
    • Contact Us Form
  • Home Delivery Pharmacy
  • Petly
  • Payment Portal
  • Emergency Care
  • Contact Us
  • Veterinary Topics
    • Pet Health
      • Chronic Conditions
      • Digestive and Oral Health
      • Diseases and Viruses
      • Pests and Parasites
      • Orthopedics
    • Today's Veterinarian
    • Choosing Your Pet
      • Cats
      • Dogs
      • Finding Your Pet
      • Exotics
        • Birds
        • Reptiles
          • Lizards
          • Turtles
      • Mammals
        • Ferrets
        • Rabbits
    • Living With Your Pet
      • Bringing Your Pet Home
      • Providing Care
      • Travel
      • Saying Goodbye
    • Newsletter Library
      • Tips for Pet Owners
      • Fleas & Parasites
      • Equine
      • Visiting the Vet
      • Unbelievable Pets
      • Seasonal Topics
      • Pet Dangers
      • Nutrition & Food
      • Recognizing Illness
      • Cats
      • Keeping Pets Healthy
      • Fun with Pets
      • Behavior & Training
    • Video Newsroom
      • Health Topics
      • Technology and Science
      • Other Interests
    • Client Survey
    • Pets4Kids
    • Feline
  • In Memoriam
  • Home >
  • Articles >
  • Newsletter Library >
  • Glaucoma in Cats

Glaucoma in Cats

  • Created in Newsletter Library

Cat blind in one eye

Could Glaucoma Destroy Your Cat's Vision?

Glaucoma, an eye disease that can cause vision loss in humans, may also affect your favorite feline. Although cats can develop the disease at any age, older cats may be at increased risk.

How Glaucoma Affects Eyesight

Glaucoma occurs when the pressure inside your cat's eye rises dangerously high. Increasing pressure damages the optic nerve, which is responsible for transmitting nerve impulses from the eyes to the brain. The brain then turns the impulses into images. If the optic nerve is damaged, impulses can't reach the brain and partial or complete vision loss occurs. Once damage to the nerve occurs, nothing can be done to restore the lost vision.

The pressure inside the eye may begin to rise if the aqueous humor, the fluid that gives the eyeball its shape, can't drain properly. The problem may occur if tiny drainage channels that remove excess fluid become blocked.

Two Types of Glaucoma Can Cause Vision Issues for Cats

Cats can suffer from primary or secondary glaucoma. Primary glaucoma, the least common type, is often inherited. Burmese, Persian, and Siamese cats are more likely to develop primary glaucoma, which usually affects both eyes, according to Stefano Pizzirani, DVM. Dr. Pizzirani, who shared information about the condition in a Tufts University article, also noted that the condition can affect domestic shorthair cats.

Secondary glaucoma develops after a cat has had an eye infection, inflammation, injury, tumor, or if the clear lens inside the eye becomes detached. Cats affected by secondary glaucoma may develop symptoms in one or both eyes. Uveitis, a type of eye inflammation, is most often to blame for secondary glaucoma. The inflammation causes scar tissue that blocks drainage channels. Uveitis is more common in middle-aged or older cats, according to Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine.

Signs and Symptoms of Glaucoma

Since pressure changes in your cat's eye can happen slowly or suddenly, it's important to call the veterinarian if you notice any changes in your pet's eyes, even if they seem minor. Treating eye infections promptly may reduce your cat's risk of vision loss.

Signs and symptoms of glaucoma may include:

  • Eye pain
  • Squinting
  • Behavioral Changes (Irritability, loss of interest in usual activities, and other behavioral changes may occur if your pet is in pain.)
  • Red or Bloodshot Eyes
  • Cloudy Cornea (The cornea is the clear layer of tissue that covers the iris and pupil.)
  • Eye Discharge
  • Dilated Pupil
  • Swollen or Bulging Eyeball (Bulging or swelling may occur as the pressure rises inside the eye.)

How Veterinarians Treat Glaucoma in Cats

Restoring normal pressure in the eye will limit the damage to your pet's vision. Your pet's veterinarian may prescribe eye drops that lower the pressure inside the eye. You will need to put the drops in your cat's eyes several times per day for the rest of your pet's life.

If inflammation is the source of the problem, a steroid may be prescribed to reduce the inflammation. Surgery may be needed to drain the excess fluid or prevent fluid from building up in the eye. If these treatments aren't helpful, it may be necessary to remove your cat's eye. Although living without an eye is certainly a major transition, many cats do adapt to losing one or both eyes with the help of their families.

Have you noticed any changes in your cat's eyes? Call us right away to schedule an appointment.

Sources:

Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine: Feline Glaucoma

PetMD: Glaucoma in Cats, 12/3/09

Tufts University: Feline Glaucoma: Diagnosis and Treatment, 4/1/13

Catster: Let’s Talk Uveitis in Cats and Why Your Vet Should Check It Out ASAP, 4/24/18

  • Pet Health
    • Chronic Conditions
    • Digestive and Oral Health
    • Diseases and Viruses
    • Pests and Parasites
    • Orthopedics
  • Today's Veterinarian
  • Choosing Your Pet
    • Cats
    • Dogs
    • Finding Your Pet
    • Exotics
      • Birds
      • Reptiles
        • Lizards
        • Turtles
    • Mammals
      • Ferrets
      • Rabbits
  • Living With Your Pet
    • Bringing Your Pet Home
    • Providing Care
    • Travel
    • Saying Goodbye
  • Newsletter Library
    • Tips for Pet Owners
    • Fleas & Parasites
    • Equine
    • Visiting the Vet
    • Unbelievable Pets
    • Seasonal Topics
    • Pet Dangers
    • Nutrition & Food
    • Recognizing Illness
    • Cats
    • Keeping Pets Healthy
    • Fun with Pets
    • Behavior & Training
  • Video Newsroom
    • Health Topics
    • Technology and Science
    • Other Interests
  • Client Survey
  • Pets4Kids
  • Feline

Featured Links

Click to find out more

  • Payment Portal

    We are reducing touch points for COVID-19 & keeping your data secure with our Payment Portal. It works for both Major Credit Cards & CareCredit.
    Make a Payment
  • Make An Appointment

    Due to high demand and a national veterinary staffing shortage, we're booking out two or more months. We're unable to take on new clients (except puppies & kittens needing vaccines). Thank you for your understanding.
    Schedule Now
  • Online Forms

    Our patient forms are available online so they can be completed in the safety and convenience of your own home.
    View Forms

Office Hours

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:30 am-6:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:30 am-6:00 pm

Thursday:

8:30 am-6:00 pm

Friday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Saturday:

8:30 am-12:00 pm

Sunday:

Closed

Location

Find us on the map

Testimonial

Read What Our Clients Say

  • "All the staff are friendly and patient and helpful. Dr. Shively is the BEST! She truly cares about the pets in her care and takes time to explain details the owners need to know, all with a lovely sense of humor."
    Charlotte Kennebunk, ME

Featured Articles

Read about interesting topics

  • Macaws

    If you've decided to enter the entertaining world of bird ownership, you may be thinking about adopting a macaw. These giants of the parrot world make fun companions, but here are some things you should consider before making that purchase. What You Should Know About Macaw Ownership Macaws can make a ...

    Read More
  • Cockatoos

    If you're looking for a lively, affectionate, intelligent pet, you don't have to limit yourself to a dog or cat. Members of the Cacatuidae family, better known as cockatoos, can provide those qualities in abundance. However, before you bring a cockatoo home for the first time, you need to understand ...

    Read More
  • Parrots

    If you’re thinking of adding a feathered friend to your family, you might be surprised at what it takes to care of this type of pet. While parrots are highly intelligent and fun pets, there are a few aspects that make them more difficult to care for than a cat or dog. Here’s what you need to know ...

    Read More
  • Most Common Digestive Issues in Dogs and How to Relieve Them

    Do you know which digestive issues are most common in dogs? ...

    Read More
  • Glaucoma in Cats

    Do you know the signs of glaucoma in cats? ...

    Read More
  • Identifying Dementia in Senior Dogs

    Have you noticed changes in your older dog's behavior? ...

    Read More
  • Keep Your Pets Safe From Toxic Household Items

    Do you know which household items can sicken your pet? ...

    Read More
  • Preventing Obesity in Cats

    Even one extra pound could affect your pet's health. Find out how you can keep your cat slim and trim. ...

    Read More
  • Pet Dental Care - Tips to Manage Your Pet’s Oral Health

    Do you know how to keep your pet's teeth and gums healthy? ...

    Read More
  • Learn How to Master Walking Your Dog for Walk Your Pet Month

    Does your dog need a little help walking on a leash? ...

    Read More

Newsletter Signup

Sign up for more articles

Connect With Us

  • Copyright © 2021 MH Sub I, LLC dba iMatrix.
  • Admin Log In
  • Site Map