Cats, like people, can develop glaucoma. Glaucoma occurs when an imbalance in production and drainage of fluid in the eye (aqueous humor) causes a buildup of fluid that increases eye pressure to unhealthy levels. The increased pressure can cause the destruction of the retina and optic disk (the spot where the optic nerve enters the eye).
Glaucoma occurs less often in cats than in dogs. It usually develops after inflammation of
The uvea (or the uveal tract) is the colored inside lining of the eye consisting of the iris, the ciliary body, and the choroid. The iris is the colored ring around the black pupil. The ciliary body is the set of muscles that contract and relax to allow the lens to focus on objects; it is also the source of aqueous humor, the clear fluid in the eye. The choroid is the inner lining of the eyeball. It extends from the ciliary muscles to the optic nerve at the back of t
The cornea is the clear dome on the front surface of the eye. It helps to protect the front of the eye and is also important in focusing light on the retina at the back of the eye. Because the cornea is critical for proper vision, it is important to address any disorders or injuries promptly.
Inflammation of the Cornea (Keratitis)
Superficial inflammation and swelling of the cornea (superficial keratitis)
The conjunctiva is a thin membrane that lines the inside of the eyelids and extends over the white of the eye in the front portion of the eyeball. It plays a role in creating tears, providing protection for the eye from foreign invaders, eye movement, and healing of the cornea after injury. It is important to identify and treat problems of the conjunctiva, because some can indicate generalized disease, while others can lead to blindness if not treated.
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The lacrimal or tear gland, located at the top outer edge of the eye, produces the watery portion of tears. The nasolacrimal duct system allows tears to drain from each eye into the nose. Disorders of these structures can lead to either eyes that water excessively or dry eyes. They may be congenital (present at birth) or caused by infection, foreign objects in the eye, or trauma.
Disorders of the nasal cavity and tear ducts are not as common in c
Problems affecting the eyelids may be congenital (present at birth) or may occur as a result of injury, infection, disease of the surrounding skin, body-wide diseases, or exposure to various types of irritants.
Abnormalities in the Shape, Outline, or Form of the Eye
Entropion is the turning in of the edges of the eyelid so that the eyelashes rub against the eye surface. It
Theeyes of animals, including cats, function much like your eyes. Animals also develop many of the same eye problems that people can have, including cataracts, glaucoma, and other disorders. It is important for your cat to receive good eye care to protect its sight and allow it to interact comfortably with its environment.
The eye is an organ that constantly adjusts the amount of light it lets in and focuses
Ear canal tumors may develop from any of the structures lining or supporting the ear canal, including the outer layer of skin, the glands that produce earwax and oil, or any of the bones, connective tissues, muscles, or middle layers of skin. Tumors of the external ear canal and outer ear are more common than tumors of the middle or inner ear. Rapidly growing or spreading (malignant) ear canal tumors are more common in cats than in dogs but, overall, these tumors are
Inflammation of the middle ear structures (otitis media) is usually caused by an extension of infection from the external ear canal or by penetration of the eardrum by a foreign object. Inflammatory polyps are also a common cause of otitis media in cats. The spread of infection through the bloodstream to the middle ear is also possible, but it is rare. Inflammation of the middle ear
Thetubular portion of the outer ear that carries sound to the eardrum is called the ear canal. The most common disorder of the ear canal in cats is called otitis externa. This condition occurs when the layer of cells that line the external ear canal becomes inflamed. The inflammation may also extend to the ear flap (pinna). Signs include head shaking, odor, redness of the skin, swelling, scratching of the ears, increased discharge, and scaly skin. The ear canal may b