A “cataract” is any opacity of the lens of the eye, which impacts the ability of the lens to absorb light and therefore adversely affects vision. Cats of either gender can develop cataracts, and certain breeds are especially at risk. Cataracts are more common in older animals but can be present at birth or develop very early in life. Cats have cataracts much less frequently than dogs.Regardless of the cause of cataracts, the clinical signs
Cataracts in cats typically are congenital but can also develop as a natural process of aging or from trauma, nutritional deficiencies or as a result of an underlying medical condition.At the most basic level, all cataracts are caused by some change in the composition or arrangement of proteins and fibers in the lens of the eye. While feline cataracts are uncommon, they are becoming more frequently diagnosed due to the increased longevity of today’s companion
The term “cataract” refers to any opacity, regardless of size, of the lens of the eye. Cats of either gender can develop cataracts for a number of different reasons, although in cats most reported cases have been congenital. Certain breeds appear predisposed to developing cataracts, including Persians, Birmans, Himalayans and Domestic Shorthairs. Regardless of the cause of cataracts, the clinical signs are the same.The chief complaints by owners of cat with cataracts are cloudy pupils
There are a number of diagnostic tests that can be conducted to confirm whether a cat has cataracts and, if so, to determine the cause of the condition.At the outset, your veterinarian will observe and assess your cat for any obvious signs of vision difficulty. The initial work-up will include evaluation of pupil size and symmetry and assessment of pupillary light reflexes. The veterinarian will check the “menace reflex” by moving one hand swiftly toward
Obviously, owners should seek veterinary advice if they suspect that their cat has cataracts. Cats with concurrent uveitis (inflammation of certain interior structures of the eye) can be treated with topical anti-inflammatory medications. However, there is no medical treatment to eliminate cataracts. The only way to “cure” cataracts is to remove them surgically. Short of blindness, cataracts can develop into glaucoma and retinal detachment, at which point surgery may no longer be a viable treatment