Glaucoma in cats is a serious eye condition. Left untreated, feline glaucoma may lead to vision loss and even loss of the eye itself. So, what happens with glaucoma in cats? What are the symptoms? How is this condition diagnosed and treated? Let’s learn more about glaucoma in cats.

What happens with glaucoma in cats?

Glaucoma in cats occurs when the fluid in the eye fails to drain properly, causing pressure to build up inside the eye. The fluid build-up puts pressure on the optic nerve. Over time, the optic nerve becomes damaged, compromising vision.

“When the intraocular pressure is elevated for even a short period of time, it begins to damage delicate structures of the eye, such as the retina and the optic nerve,” says Stephanie Beaumont, DVM, Dipl. ACVO, a board-certified veterinary Ophthalmologist at Animal Eye Specialists in Richardson, Texas. “Damage to these structures from the high intraocular pressure, even for a short time, can result in permanent blindness.” 

There are actually two types of glaucoma in cats

1. Primary glaucoma, also called inherited glaucoma, means the cat is born with anatomical problems that predispose her to developing glaucoma. This type of glaucoma is common is certain dog breeds, but it’s rare in cats. However, primary glaucoma is common in some cat breeds, including Burmese, Persians and Siamese.
2. The other type of glaucoma, called secondary or acute glaucoma, develops as the result of another eye problem like uveitis (intra-ocular inflammation), damage or dislocation of the lens, intra-ocular bleeding, trauma to the eye, infection or tumors.

So, what are the symptoms of glaucoma in cats?

With advanced cases you might notice an enlarged and bulging eye, but early symptoms of glaucoma in cats may be subtle. “Symptoms of acute glaucoma that a pet owner might notice include redness of the eye, cloudiness, excessive tearing, possible squinting of the eye and a dilated pupil,” Dr. Beaumont explains. “Glaucoma can result in acute vision loss, however, this is often not noticed by the pet owner because the pet compensates so well with the other eye, so vision loss in one eye is not obvious.”

Glaucoma is an extremely painful condition, but cats are masters at hiding pain and your cat might not let on that she’s hurting. “Many pets with pain from glaucoma tend to hide or sleep more rather than show outward signs of eye pain, such as squinting,” Dr. Beaumont says.

How is glaucoma diagnosed in cats?

Always schedule a veterinary visit as soon as you notice signs that something is off with one or both of your cat’s eyes. When it comes to eye issues, waiting can mean the difference between saving your cat’s vision or losing it. To diagnose glaucoma in cats, your vet will check for elevated pressure inside the eye with an instrument called a tonometer. This evaluation is quick and easy to do in the clinic. 

How is glaucoma in cats treated?

“Glaucoma is typically treated with various anti-glaucoma eye drops that help to lower the intraocular pressure,” Dr. Beaumont explains. “In some instances, surgery may be indicated to help control the glaucoma. If the problem is identified and treated early, the vision loss may be reversible if the intraocular pressure is lowered quickly.”

In some cases where the glaucoma cannot be controlled, removal of the eye is recommended. Most cats learn to compensate just fine with their other eye and the pain of glaucoma will go away entirely once the eye is removed.

Plus, worried about glaucoma yourself? Check out glaucoma symptoms, treatment and prevention for humans >>

Thumbnail: Photography © Enigmangel | iStock / Getty Images Plus.

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