Glaucoma is a common eye condition in humans, but did you know that cats can be diagnosed with it too? That’s right; it’s something that many furry owners have to consider throughout their cat’s lives, but learning everything to know about glaucoma in cats should help us be more prepared than ever.
What is glaucoma in cats?
Glaucoma in cats is a progressive condition, meaning it usually gets worse over time. It is used to describe various eye conditions caused by intraocular pressure that is generally caused by a build-up of fluid in the eye. If too much fluid is left to accumulate, then it can lead to several health issues, including pain, irritation, and potentially even blindness.
What causes glaucoma in cats?
There are two types of glaucoma in cats: primary and secondary. Primary is a rare type of the illness as it’s a hereditary condition, meaning it’s passed through generations, and cats are born with the illness. Siamese and Burmese cats are more likely to develop the illness as a result of having it passed through the generations. Secondary glaucoma in cats is more common and is typically a result of another issue. This could be anything such as eye trauma, a tumor, cataracts, or uveitis.
How is glaucoma diagnosed?
If you notice anything strange with your cat’s eye or they are showing signs of discomfort, then it’s important to have them checked out by a vet. They will usually perform simple eye tests and check for any other signs of injuries or ailments to ensure they are making the right diagnosis. The tests typically consist of using a lens to take a look into your cat’s eye before using a special machine to measure the pressure. If things need a closer look, your vert might recommend you to a specialist for further tests.
How is glaucoma treated in cats?
Sadly, there is no way to reverse any damage caused by glaucoma. However, there are ways that it can be managed, usually through eye drops to reduce any inflammation and pressure. In some severe cases, cats may require surgery, but this is only if things have gotten to extreme stages or medicine isn’t keeping your cat comfortable.
How to prevent glaucoma in cats
Many cat owners want to know how to prevent glaucoma. While it’s not possible to rule out the illness altogether, there are simple things that can be done to make it less likely that your cat will develop the condition. Routine vet examinations should pick up if there is anything wrong with your cat’s eye before it develops into glaucoma. Owners should also seek medical help when it comes to any injury instead of waiting to see if it improves. To top it off, it’s important not to breed cats with primary glaucoma as it’s a hereditary condition.
Learning everything there is to know about glaucoma in cats should hopefully mean that owners are more prepared than ever for whatever might come their way with their new furry friend