Winking or holding the eye closed: This is not normal and is a sign the cat has pain in that eye or is uncomfortable. This could be the result of trauma (a scratch to the eye) infection, increased pressure within the eye, a foreign body trapped under the eyelids, or inflammation within the eye. [2] X Research source BSAVA Manual of Small Animal Ophthalmology. Petersen-Jones & Crispin. BSAVA publications. Swollen eyelids: This speaks for itself but swollen, puffy eyelids are a sure sign something’s not right - usually trauma, infection, or allergy. Discharge from the eye: All cats develop gloop in the inner corner of the eye, especially when they wake and haven’t yet washed themselves. Normal gloop is usually clear or rust-colored. Indeed, as the clear gloop sits in contact with the air it dries out and becomes rusty looking - this is normal. A yellow or green discharge is a sign of infection. Inflamed whites of the eye: If the white portion of the eye is rosy pink, or there are blood vessels snaking across it, this is abnormal and can be a sign of allergy, infection, or glaucoma (increased pressure within the eye. ) Loss of a shiny surface: The healthy eye has a highly reflective surface, and when you look carefully any reflections are have smooth edges and are unbroken. If you look at the surface and it appears dull so it is difficult to see reflections, or the reflections are broken up and jagged, this is abnormal. This can be an indication of dry eye (not enough tear fluid is present) or an ulcer on the surface of the eye. [3] X Research source BSAVA Manual of Small Animal Ophthalmology. Petersen-Jones & Crispin. BSAVA publications.
Visible discomfort (closing the eye) Yellow or green discharge Dull surface to the eye Enlarged blood vessels on the surface of the eye.
Pat the eye dry afterwards. As the cotton wool become soiled, switch to a fresh piece. Use separate pieces for each eye.
If the eyelids are gummed shut, soak a clean ball of cotton wool in some previously boiled (and cooled) water. Repeatedly wipe the damp cotton ball over the eye, wiping from the inside corner to the outside. At the same time use the finger and thumb of the opposite hand to apply gentle pressure to the upper and lower lids in order to pry them open. [7] X Research source
Viruses which affect the eye include herpesvirus and calicivirus. Some veterinarians will supply topical antibiotics even if a viral infection is suspected, this is because these infections could be mixed with complicating bacteria that cause secondary infections. [9] X Research source BSAVA Manual of Small Animal Ophthalmology. Petersen-Jones & Crispin. BSAVA publications. The bacteria that may colonize the eye and cause infection include Staphylococci, E. coli, Proteus, and Pseudomonas. It is very important to always wash your hands thoroughly after handling a cat with sticky eyes, as these infections can spread.
Treatment is usually given for a minimum of 5 days, and should not be discontinued before this because of the risk of inducing antibiotic resistance. [10] X Research source BSAVA Manual of Small Animal Ophthalmology. Petersen-Jones & Crispin. BSAVA publications.
