Eye Conditions

Eye problems often present with overlapping signs, so a precise examination matters more than symptom-matching at home. Watch for:

• Redness of the white of the eye (sclera) or the inner eyelid lining (conjunctiva)
• Squinting, pawing at the eye, or holding the eye closed (signs of pain)
• Discharge — clear, cloudy, yellow, or green
• A bluish or white haze over the cornea (the clear front surface of the eye)
• A visible cloudiness or opacity inside the eye — may indicate cataracts or lens disease
• A visibly enlarged eye, or one that appears to bulge slightly (possible glaucoma)
• A film or mass visible in the corner of the eye (see also: cherry eye)
• Changes in behavior such as bumping into furniture, reluctance to go out at night, or startling easily — signs of vision loss
• Excessive tearing, tear-staining, or a chronically wet muzzle

The eye is a compact, interconnected organ — problems in one structure often affect others. Common causes include:

• Conjunctivitis — bacterial, viral (especially feline herpesvirus in cats), allergic, or secondary to another eye disease
• Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS / dry eye) — the tear glands produce insufficient tears, leading to chronic inflammation, corneal scarring, and increased infection risk; common in Bulldogs, Shih Tzus, and Cocker Spaniels
• Corneal ulcers — scratches, trauma, dry eye, or abnormal eyelashes erode the corneal surface; painful and can progress to rupture if untreated
• Cataracts — opacity of the lens; diabetic pets frequently develop rapidly progressing cataracts, and some breeds (Poodles, Golden Retrievers, Cocker Spaniels) have hereditary forms
• Glaucoma — elevated pressure inside the eye damages the optic nerve and retina, causing pain and rapid vision loss; a true emergency when acute
• Uveitis (anterior) — inflammation of the iris and surrounding structures; often a sign of systemic disease (infection, cancer, immune-mediated) rather than a primary eye problem
• Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) — inherited degeneration of the retina causing gradual vision loss; no cure, but genetic testing is available in many breeds
• Flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds are predisposed to corneal exposure problems and dry eye because their eyes protrude more than their anatomy can fully protect

Because many eye conditions look similar on the surface, a structured ophthalmic exam is the only way to identify what's actually wrong. The evaluation typically includes:

• Schirmer tear test — measures tear production; low readings diagnose KCS
• Fluorescein stain — a green dye that highlights corneal ulcers or erosions invisible to the naked eye
• Intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement — using a tonometer to check for glaucoma
• Slit-lamp biomicroscopy or detailed lens and fundus (retina) examination
• Systemic bloodwork and imaging when uveitis or retinal disease suggests an underlying systemic cause (infection, hypertension, cancer)

Blood pressure measurement is added whenever retinal hemorrhage or sudden vision loss is noted, because hypertension is a leading cause of retinal detachment in cats.

Treatment depends entirely on the diagnosis:

• KCS (dry eye) — cyclosporine or tacrolimus ophthalmic drops stimulate natural tear production and control inflammation; most pets require lifelong treatment but do very well
• Corneal ulcers — antibiotic drops, pain management, and an e-collar to prevent self-trauma; deep or infected ulcers may need surgical intervention
• Conjunctivitis — antibiotic or antiviral drops (including L-lysine for feline herpesvirus), plus addressing any underlying cause
• Cataracts — surgical removal by a veterinary ophthalmologist with implantation of an artificial lens restores vision; the team coordinates this referral and manages pre- and post-operative care
• Glaucoma — acute glaucoma requires emergency pressure reduction; long-term management uses topical drops, and eyes without usable vision may require surgical removal (enucleation) to permanently relieve pain
• Uveitis — anti-inflammatory drops combined with treatment of the underlying systemic cause

A squinting, closed, or red eye should be seen the same day — not watched to see if it resolves. Glaucoma and corneal ulcers can progress from painful to vision-ending within 24 hours. Any sudden vision change, an eye that looks larger than usual, or a cloudiness that appeared quickly is a same-day or emergency situation. The team at Dog & Cat Hospital Calabasas can run a full ophthalmic screening, manage most conditions directly, and make a timely referral when specialized surgery is the right answer. Book an appointment to have your pet's eyes evaluated.