What is Cloudy Eye?
Though eye disease is less common in cats than dogs, you should rush to the veterinarian as soon as you can if your cat’s eye or eyes appear cloudy. Since cloudy eye can be a sign of a number of serious eye conditions, immediate veterinary attention should be sought in order to ensure the best prognosis for your cat’s sight.
A cloudy eye can be a sign of several eye diseases in cats. These include, but are not limited to: corneal ulceration, keratitis, cataracts, and glaucoma. A number of diseases of the cornea and lens may be characterized by cloudy eyes. There are secondary non-infectious causes as well, such as exposure to certain toxins or chemicals.
Cloudy Eye Average Cost
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Symptoms of Cloudy Eye in Cats
Seek immediate veterinary attention if you notice any of the following symptoms:
- Rubbing the eyes
- Excess tear production
- Light sensitivity
- Signs of pain
- Squinting and rapid blinking
- One eye appears larger than the other
- Discharge
- Confusion or disorientation
- Fever
- Sneezing
Causes of Cloudy Eye in Cats
There are several causes of cloudy eye in cats. Primary causes include disease, which may also involve secondary, noninfectious causes such as trauma and exposure to chemicals. Each cause is described in-depth below.
Corneal Ulceration
Corneal ulcers can occur for a number of reasons, such as blunt trauma to the eye, exposure to chemicals, or infection. Ulcers in the cornea form when the epithelium, a thin layer of protective cells, is fully penetrated. Inflammatory cells enter the stroma, underneath the epithelium, which is responsible for the cloudy appearance of the eyes.
Keratitis
This condition is characterized by corneal inflammation and swelling. Keratitis may be attributed to a number of secondary causes, such as infection and injury. Keratitis is often caused by the feline herpesvirus.
Cataracts
Cats typically develop cataracts due to inflammation, systemic disease, or trauma to the lens rather than old age. Old age causes a thickening of the lens called nuclear sclerosis, but cataracts are a different problem. Cataracts are characterized by cloudy eye and partial to full vision loss.
Glaucoma
This irreversible disease occurs when the aqueous fluid within the eye stops draining properly. This buildup of fluid causes pressure on the optic nerve, causing nerve damage. This nerve damage will seriously impair your cat’s vision. Unfortunately, by the time signs manifest, partial vision loss has already occurred.
Diagnosis of Cloudy Eye in Cats
Your veterinarian will make a tentative diagnosis based on a thorough physical examination, complete medical history, and presentation of signs. Be sure to inform your vet of the extent and duration of your cat’s signs, as well as any previous history of eye problems or traumatic injury that you know of.
Your veterinarian can reach a definitive diagnosis through a number of tests, and will choose the most appropriate method based on the suspected disease or cause. These tests may include: corneal stain, cell culture, microscopic examination of corneal tissue, and the use of a tonometer to test intraocular pressure.
Treatment of Cloudy Eye in Cats
Treatment will vary depending on the underlying cause and severity of the condition.
Corneal ulcerations and keratitis are typically treated with antibiotic and/or pain relief eye drops and ointments. Antibiotic treatments might be administered several times a day. Pain relief drops or ointments are typically administered less frequently, from every twelve to forty-eight hours. If the keratitis is caused by the feline herpes virus, treatment may be more invasive.
Cataracts, though irreversible, may be managed by treating a secondary cause of the condition, such as high blood pressure or diabetes. Cataracts are often corrected with surgery, which is successful for most cases. This surgery involves removing the cataracts and implanting a synthetic lens.
There is no cure for glaucoma; treatment is palliative, or done to relieve the cat’s pain rather than curing the underlying condition. Your vet may prescribe steroids and special eye drops to reduce inflammation and pressure. These may slow the progression of vision loss.
Your veterinarian will be able to advise you on a treatment and recovery plan – or refer you to an ophthalmologist – based on your cat’s needs.
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Recovery of Cloudy Eye in Cats
Recovery and prognosis will vary depending on the severity of the condition and effectiveness of treatment. Always follow your veterinarian’s post-treatment or post-operative instructions carefully. It is imperative that you administer antibiotic medications for the entire recommended duration of treatment even if the condition starts to improve. Failure to do so could result in aggressive recurrence or loss of sight.
Corneal ulcerations and keratitis tend to start to heal within three to five days with treatment. Some ulcers caused by infection may take longer to heal. Your veterinarian will advise you based on your cat’s signs.
For cataracts and glaucoma, your veterinarian may schedule follow-up appointments as needed to monitor the condition. If the cloudy eye is not improving or seems to be getting worse despite treatment, contact your veterinarian immediately.
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Cloudy Eye Average Cost
From 279 quotes ranging from $200 - $2,500
Average Cost
$800
Top
Cloudy Eye Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
tabi
sox months
62 found this helpful
62 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Cloudy Eyes, Film Over Eyes
What is wrong she isn’t herself and I’m not sure what to do. She keeps squinting and it seems to be getting worse.
Dec. 29, 2020
Answered by Dr. Sara O. DVM
62 Recommendations
Hello, SO sorry to hear about your cat. It sounds like she may have an eye infection or scratch on her eye. It would be best for your cat to see your vet very soon. Eye issues can get worse very quickly. your vet can prescribe medication to help this eye heal very quickly.
Dec. 29, 2020
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bombay
Four Months
47 found this helpful
47 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Cloudy Eye
My cat has one eye that is black from the pupil and the other seems black but when light hits looks like she's lost life in the eye. Please can you help me?
Nov. 30, 2020
Answered by Dr. Linda S. MVB MRCVS
47 Recommendations
The cloudiness is not normal and does require an exam. There are a number of possible causes including uveitis, an ulcer, an infection etc.
A vet does need to examine the eye so we can determine what's going on.
Nov. 30, 2020
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Unknown
Two Years
20 found this helpful
20 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Fogginess In Side Of Eye And Now Dropplets Of Blood On Eyelashes
My cat is an outdoor cat. He has had fogginess on the side of his left eye for a bit. Tonight we found a couple drops of blood on the ground and looked at him. He has droplets on his eyelashes and his eye looks wrong. Any idea what it could be?
Sept. 29, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
20 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. From your description, I think it is possible that your cat has a fight wound that is affecting his eye. It may be infected, and he should be seen by a veterinarian so that he does not lose that eye. They will be able to examine him and see what treatment he might need so that he does not lose the eye. I hope that all goes well for him.
Oct. 3, 2020
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Domestic short hair
16 weeks
9 found this helpful
9 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Cloudy Eyes
Hi my kitten had bright green eyes. She has now started to have them turn brown and I think that is weird for being 16 weeks. Her eyes also have a cloud towards the bottom of her pupils and when a light shines as them the cloud turns purple and it seems odd to me. I have a vet appointment this Saturday for her and just wanted to get some advice before I go then.
Sept. 29, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
9 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. It is difficult to say without being able to examine her, but it sounds like she may have an infection in those eyes. Sometimes any kind of infectious debris in the eye will change color of the iris. I think it is good that you have an appointment with your veterinarian, as they will be able to see what's going on and get treatment for her. I hope that all goes well for her.
Oct. 3, 2020
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Unknown
5 weeks old
3 found this helpful
3 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Eye Bulging
my 5 week old kittens eyes are bulging out. One looks to be dry and the other is cloudy and drying as well. I took them to the vet last week and started on eye ointment for pink eye but this one has gotten worse. I'm unsure what to do next. Can you please help???
Sept. 27, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
3 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. I am sorry for the delay, this platform is not set up for urgent emails.
Kittens can develop severe viral or bacterial infections, and your kitten needs to see your veterinarian right away. It may need further treatment, or more frequent eye medications, but it is in danger of losing the use of its' eyes.
I hope that the kitten is okay.
Oct. 10, 2020
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General
Hudson
5 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Cloudy Film Over
Cloudy Film Over Eye
My cat is 5 years old.he is an inside cat A few weeks ago he started to not fully open his eye, but not all of the time, as he could also open it normally. His eye has not been weeping, no redness and no swelling. It seemed to me that maybe he had debris, maybe a hair or dust. But, suddenly tonight, he got a film over about a quarter of his eye. It comes from the direction of the side nearest to his nose, it looks very much like the third eyelid. He doest seem to be bothered by it, and his eye is open, ( he's not squinting). His pupils are normal, no weeping etc. Could this be his eyes way of getting the debris out? .. How long should I wait to take him to the vet? Should I bathe his eye?... Thanks
Tabby Cat
Danier
1 Year
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Eye Clouding
We recently used fragranced carpet cleaner in our bedroom. The very next day our 1 year old inside cat had one of her eyes slightly closed. She didnt have discharge or discoloration that we could see. The same day I purchased over the counter Artificial Tears and administered one drop in the eye that now looked a little cloudy when she turned her head at certain angles. The next morning her eye was opened as normal. However, the opening revealed that the bottom of her eyeball was slightly red. I gave her another eyedrop. This is now the third day. Her eye is still slightly cloudy. I hate to have to take her to the vet but if it doesn't get better over the next two days I will. It's the New Years holiday now.
Cloudy Eye Average Cost
From 279 quotes ranging from $200 - $2,500
Average Cost
$800
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Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
