What If Your Cat Has an Eye Problem ? Examination & Medicines

HOW TO EXAMINE THE EYES

The eye examination should be done in a dark room using a single light source, such as a flashlight, and a magnifying glass. With magnification, you can see fine details on the surface of the eyelids and the eyeball and may be able to inspect some of the inner eye structures.

Many cats need to be restrained for an eye exam. Put the cat in a pillowcase and pin the case around the cat’s neck, or hold the cat gently wrapped in a towel or on your lap if he is cooperative.

You can often get a clue to the cause of the problem by comparing one eye with the other. See if the eyes are of the same size, shape, and color.

Do they bulge forward or are they recessed back in their sockets? Is there an eye discharge? Is the third eyelid visible over the inside corner of the eye? Does the eye look smoky, hazy, or cloudy?

To examine the outer surface of the eyeball, place one thumb just below the eye and the other over the bone just above the upper lid.

Gently draw down on the lower lid and apply counter traction with the other thumb. The lower lid will sag out and you can look in and see the conjunctival sac and most of the cornea behind it. Reverse the procedure to examine the surface of the eye behind the upper lid.

Flash a light across the surface of the cornea to see if it is clear and transparent. A dull or dished-out (concave) spot is a sign of an injury. The pupils should be equal in size.

They should narrow to vertical slits when the light is flashed into the eye. Push gently on the surface of the eyeball through the closed eyelid to see if one eye feels unusually hard or soft. If the eye is tender, the cat will give evidence of pain.

To test for vision, cover one of the cat’s eyes and pretend you are about to touch the other eye with your finger. A cat who has vision will blink when your finger approaches. A cat will also blink if he feels even the slightest breeze from your hand movement, though, so this test is not always accurate.

HOW TO APPLY EYE MEDICINES

Other than artificial tears, no eye medications (ointments or drops) should be used without veterinary guidance. If the eye is painful, contact your veterinarian immediately.

To apply ointment, steady your cat’s head with one hand and draw down on the lower eyelid to expose the inner surface.

Rest the other hand containing the applicator against the cat’s face, If the cat moves suddenly, your hand will also move, avoiding injury to the eye.

Apply ointment to the inside of the lower lid; putting ointment directly on the eyeball is irritating and may cause the cat’s head to jerk. Gently massage the eye with the lid closed to spread the medication evenly across the cornea.

Eyedrops are applied directly to the eyeball. Steady the hand holding the dropper against the side of the cat’s head.

Tilt the cat’s nose upward, then drop. the medication into the inner corner of the eye. Rub the eyelids gently to disperse the medicine. Eyedrops should be applied frequently, as directed by your veterinarian since they tend to wash out with tears.

Use only preparations that are specifically labeled for ophthalmic use. Check to be sure that the preparation is not out of date.

Your veterinarian may recommend that you clean the eye gently with artificial tears or saline solution before putting in medication. A warm compress may be needed to remove crusty buildup on the eyelids. Always follow directions carefully.

Prolonged administration of antibiotics in the eye can predispose the eyes to fungal infection or resistant bacterial infections.

If you need to give your cat atropine drops to help with dilating the eye and assisting in pain treatment, be aware that these drops taste quite bad.

Cats may foam at the mouth for a minute or two if they get any atropine in their mouths. Cats with dilated eyes should be kept out of bright light.