Feline Cataracts – Symptoms
Feline cataracts symptoms include:
- Bluish, white or grey color inside the eye that often resembles an icy blue chip;
- Bumping into or tripping over things;
- Hesitancy to navigate stairs or jump onto higher locations;
- Misjudging distances;
- Hesitancy in unfamiliar surroundings;
- High-stepped walking;
- Failure to recognize familiar people and pets;
- Eye redness and inflammation; and
- Pain, squinting and/or signs of blindness.
As noted above, anterior uveitis is one of the major causes of feline cataracts. Uveitis symptoms that the cat caregiver should watch out for include squinting, watery eyes, and changes in eye color, abnormal pupil size or shape, roughened eye surface and lens cloudiness.
A cat caregiver who suspects that her cat may be suffering from feline cataracts should schedule an appointment with her veterinarian or a veterinary ophthalmologist right away. Cataracts can be definitively diagnosed only after a thorough eye exam and the administration of certain tests using specialized ophthalmic equipment, such as fluorescein staining of the cornea, the Schirmer tear test, slit lamp biomicroscopy, tonometry and retinal examination. A complete physical examination will provide medical personnel with an accurate picture of the patient’s overall state of health.
Blood and other laboratory tests are also used to assess overall general health and to detect any systemic diseases. An assessment of retinal health will tell the veterinarian whether cataract removal surgery is feasible. Retinal detachment or any changes in the vitreous (jelly-like) substance behind the lens may preempt any surgical treatment. An electroretinal exam evaluates retinal function and determines the presence of any hidden retinal disease prior to surgery.
