Cats have amazing vision and learning about how their eyes work is fascinating. Unfortunately, whether it’s through infection, injury or illness, eye problems are a relatively common occurrence for cats, and concerns must be dealt with quickly. 

One eye problem few cat owners may have heard of is uveitis. Uveitis is an inflammation of the tissues of the eye including the iris, ciliary body (behind the iris) and the choroid (in the back of the eye behind the retina). Sometimes uveitis can be hard for owners to spot, and it can be even trickier to diagnose what exactly is causing it. Fortunately, if treated promptly, the outcome can be a positive one. 

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What are the signs of uveitis in cats?

Uveitis is a painful condition, and cats will often show signs of discomfort. Although no single patient will have every potential finding, here are a few of the signs:

  • Squinting, also known as ‘blepharospasm’.
  • Rubbing or pawing at the eye.
  • Tear overflow, also known as ‘epiphora’.
  • Aversion to light.
  • Decreased vision or blindness.
  • Loss of appetite and a change in your cat’s normal behaviour due to pain.

You may also notice changes in the appearance of the eye, such as:

  • The eye looking red or ‘bloodshot’. 
  • The eye may look cloudy. 
  • The iris might appear darker.

What can cause uveitis in cats?

Finding out why a cat has uveitis can be challenging, and in some cases, the puzzle is never solved. Some of the common causes include:

  • Trauma to the eye, for example a cat scratch or penetrating object, or chemicals and other irritants getting onto the eye. 
  • Infections (viral, bacterial, fungal, or parasitic). 
  • Cancer of the eye.
  • Systemic diseases, like diabetes or conditions that raise the blood pressure like kidney or thyroid disease.
  • Immune-mediated diseases. 

How do vets diagnose uveitis in cats?

The vet will perform an eye exam and may measure your cat’s intraocular pressure using a device called a tonometer. This is a painless procedure and is helpful in determining whether the cause is glaucoma (when the pressure within the eye rises) or uveitis (when the pressure is usually low). 

The cause might be quite obvious at the time of examination in the case of a cat scratch or tumour. However, in many cases, a thorough physical examination is required to search for evidence of disease elsewhere in the body. Your cat may need additional blood tests, x-rays and possibly an ultrasound to help find the source of the problem. Ophthalmology often requires specialised equipment, and referral to a veterinary ophthalmologist may be the right way to go.

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How is uveitis treated in cats?

First and foremost, your cat will need some pain relief. This may be provided in the form of topical eye drops and oral medication. 

The next goal of treatment is to maintain the normal internal structure of the eye and to preserve vision. If the uveitis arose in response to an injury to the eye, treatment may include repairing any damage surgically. Your cat may need specific treatment to address an underlying infection or systemic disease. 

Secondary complications can develop, including glaucoma, retinal detachment, the lens slipping out of place, or adhesions forming within the eye. In a few cases, these complications can lead to a loss of the eye. That’s why it’s important to continue to monitor the situation closely, sometimes daily, to make sure these complications aren’t missed and to tweak treatments accordingly.

What is the prognosis for uveitis in cats?

The prognosis depends on the underlying cause. If caught early, uveitis can be fully resolved without a risk of recurrence. However, if the underlying cause is difficult to treat, if the damage has been ongoing and severe, and if complications develop during treatment, it can be difficult to manage the condition. In cases where pain cannot be controlled, and vision has been irreversibly lost, surgery to remove the eye may be the recommended course of action. 

Conclusion

Uveitis is a painful eye condition and can be difficult to manage if not caught early. For the best outcome, the caregiver and vet need to spot the signs and be dedicated to daily treatment and regular monitoring.  

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