Corneal ulcers in cats

Symptoms of corneal ulcers in cats

• Fluid drains from the eye
• Your cat may look as though it is winking
• Your cat may be trying to scratch their eye with their paw
• Bloodshot whites of eyes
• Smaller pupils

Remember, cats are good at hiding symptoms of diseases, including corneal ulcers.

What causes corneal ulcers?

Corneal ulcers can come about if something has scratched your cat’s eye – for example if they got into a fight with another cat. They can also occur due to illness, such as a viral infection.

In-growing eyelashes – or inwardly rolled eyelids - can also cause corneal ulcers.

When should I contact my vet?

If you suspect your cat has an eye wound, you should take your cat to the vet for immediate attention – and to avoid any complications. Damage to the cornea requires urgent attention, to avoid the risk of damage to your cat’s eye/vision.

The prognosis for recovery is good for cats that get early diagnosis and treatment of corneal ulcers. However, if the damage is quite bad, or if your cat does not get examined in good time, their eye may be beyond treatment – and will need to be surgically removed. Cats can go on to live healthy eyes with just on eye, however it’s best if this outcome can be avoided and the eye can be treated.

How does a vet diagnose corneal ulcers?

Corneal ulcers can be difficult to see with the naked eye as the membrane is transparent. Your vet will drop a safe, fluorescent substance into your cat’s eye to determine whether there are any ulcers on the cornea.

Your vet can also measure the pressure in your cat’s eye. Low pressure indicates deeper inflammation of the eye, which could be a sign of a corneal ulcer. If necessary, your cat can also measure your cat’s tear production.

How long does it take for corneal ulcers to heal?

Superficial wounds can heal quickly, in just a few days after treatment. Deeper wounds in the eye can take longer, maybe weeks, to heal.

Factors that can delay recovery include protruding eyes or eyelids, low tear production, infection, or your cat being older.

How are corneal ulcers treated?

If the wound is small, eye drops are usually a sufficient means of treating corneal ulcers – allowing them to heal on their own.

For superficial wounds, lubricating tear substances, anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving medication may also be prescribed. Usually, antibiotics and pupil dilating medication are also given to help heal corneal ulcers.

If the wound is deeper, surgery may need to be performed to help with healing.