Key Takeaways
Cataracts can be caused by genetics, uveitis, eye injuries or trauma, health issues, age, nutritional deficiencies, and toxins.
A veterinary ophthalmologist diagnoses cataracts through an ophthalmic exam and slit lamp biomicroscopy.
Phacoemulsification is the definitive treatment for cataracts in cats.
Summary
Feline cataracts happen when the normally clear lens becomes cloudy or opaque, blocking light from reaching the retina. These form when the protein fibers that make up the entire lens are damaged and clump together, significantly hindering vision.
In the early stages, cataracts may only affect a small part of the lens and have little impact on your cat's vision. But when left untreated, this condition can progress to blurry vision and complete blindness.
Early Signs of Cataracts
Cloudy or Opaque Eyes. One of the primary signs of cataracts is the cloudy or opaque appearance. This may be in one or both eyes.
Pupil Changes. The pupils may fail to reflect light normally.
Eye Irritation. Depending on the cause of cataracts in cats, some may experience squinting, redness, or discharge.
Poor Navigation. Affected cats may bump into furniture, have trouble navigating, or move slowly. Some will seem confused or lost.
Changes in Behavior. Your cat may appear more cautious, clingy, or even more easily startled in new environments. Some may hesitate to move.
Sensitivity to Light. Cats with cataracts may avoid brightly lit rooms and may hide under sofas. This happens because incoming light scatters instead of focusing on the retina.
Causes
The leading cause of feline cataracts is uveitis, a condition that causes inflammatory cells and proteins to enter the aqueous humor, damaging lens epithelium and its metabolic processes. This results in the lens fibers becoming opaque.
It's often secondary to an underlying cause, such as feline immunodeficiency virus, feline leukemia virus, feline infectious peritonitis, toxoplasmosis, and even toxin exposure.
This condition also includes genetic predisposition, as some cats have a higher risk of developing cataracts. Inherited cataracts are common in Persians, Himalayans, Birmans, and British Shorthairs.
Direct injuries, trauma, and foreign bodies may also contribute. These break the lens capsule, allowing fluid to accumulate within the lens and result in rapid cataract formation.
Metabolic diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure can alter the fluid in the eye. One example is when elevated blood sugar levels increase sorbitol, a compound that attracts water in the lens. This will cause the eyes to swell and lead to cataracts.
Age is also a factor. As cats get older (usually those 10+ years old), the lens proteins naturally break down and clump together, and it's a normal aging change. Malnutrition may also be a subtle cause, particularly in kittens fed with improper milk replacers.
Feline Cataracts vs Nuclear Sclerosis
Nuclear sclerosis, also known as lenticular sclerosis, is a normal change in the lens of the eye caused by age. In other words, not all hazy eyes mean an actual cataract. Nuclear sclerosis can also create hazy eyes without the same effect on vision. Here's the difference, according to Dr. Salome.
Features | Cataracts | Nuclear Sclerosis |
|---|---|---|
Appearance | Solid white, opaque, or dense spots that can form anywhere in the lens. | Faint, blue-gray, and often translucent, located in the center of the pupil |
Impact on Vision | Mild to complete blindness | Minimal vision loss |
Causes | Genetics, uveitis, trauma, health issues, nutritional deficiencies, age | Age |
Diagnosis
Cataracts are diagnosed through a comprehensive ophthalmic examination performed by a veterinary ophthalmologist.
"We'll use a specialized instrument called an ophthalmoscope to examine cloudiness and opacity," says Dr. Salome. Next, we'll perform a slit lamp examination to view the specific layers of the eye, allowing us to determine the specific size, location, and severity of the cataract.
"The slit lamp works by producing highly focused beam of light and high-powered microscope to illuminate the eye. If cataracts are present, the protein clumps are visible as white, yellow, or gray opacities," says Dr. Salome.
To help us reach an accurate diagnosis, we will perform other laboratory tests. These will be used to rule out conditions like diabetes, uveitis, and high blood pressure.
How Are Cataracts Treated?
Surgery is the definitive treatment when vision is more seriously affected or if cataract-related blindness is developing.
Cat Cataract Surgery
The technique is called phacoemulsification, a procedure that uses ultrasonic vibrations to liquefy and break apart the cloudy lens. These fragments are vacuumed out of the lens capsule. An artificial lens will then be placed inside the empty capsule, capable of focusing light to the retina.
This prosthetic lens is designed to last the cat's entire lifetime.
Cats generally recover from the surgery within 6-8 weeks, with functional vision returning within 24 hours. This will require strict rest and recovery for about 2-3 weeks, including E-collar use, restricted activity, and medication.
Medical Management
Medical treatment is considered if the cat is not fit for surgery. This will involve anti-inflammatory eye drops with the goal of reducing significant inflammation and preventing secondary glaucoma. These medications cannot dissolve cataracts or treat the actual cataract itself, but prevent painful swelling.
For feline cataracts caused by underlying health issues, we may provide targeted treatments that address the primary disease.
How to Prevent
Cataracts develop naturally, especially if your cat is genetically predisposed or in their senior years. Still, it's good to stay prepared.
Book Vet Visits
We recommend scheduling wellness exams so we can identify potential eye and health issues before they worsen. The visits are also essential for routine vaccinations, which provide significant protection against FHV-1 and FeLV.
Monitor Your Cat's Eyes
In addition to routine eye exams, your cat’s eyes should be checked and cleaned regularly. Always look out for their eyes and keep an eye out for discharge, debris, and dirt. If you notice any, use a soft, damp cloth and wipe outward.
Keep food and water bowls in consistent spots so cats with vision changes can navigate more easily indoors.
Provide Balanced Nutrition
Quality nutrition is also important, especially during the kitten stage. Your cat's diet should focus on foods rich in taurine, vitamin A, and omega-3 fatty acids, which can benefit eye health. These include salmon, eggs, and high-quality cat food. If you need any personalized help, our nutritionists can assist.
“A cat’s eyes don’t just reflect light, they reflect their health, well-being, and happiness. Let's prevent cataracts and give our cats clear vision.”
- Dr. Enas Ashry
Your cat relies on you to notice the signs and take action when something seems off. The causes of cataracts in cats can’t be fully avoided, but you can take steps to take good care of their eyes.
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