Expert: Jessica - 1/19/2010

Question
I got my cat from a very dirty home with 27 other cats and 15 or more dogs... he was born blind... one eye got better and you would never have known there was a problem, however the other eye remained grey with no visible iris or pupil, and it was covered with a dark brown/red almost black film... I treated the eye with polysporin ear and eye drops and the film went away revealing his grey eye... he is blind in that eye... his temperment is unreal... hes very affectionate and i dont believe his eye condition affects his quality of life at all. i wipe his eye daily and remove "dark eye boogers" if any. I would take him to the vet if i believed i could get a straight answer... if hes not in pain and its not getting any worse i dotn see the point in removing his eye... im sure the damage in permanent...

Answer
Hi Sylvia.  I agree with you that there's no need to remove the eye as long as it's not chronically infected and it's not causing pain.  However, I think the only real way to determine if it's causing him pain is to have a vet take a look at him.  Most vets are honest about this, as enucleation is a major operation, and they don't want to put cats through this unless necessary.  I know all of the vets involved in my Siamese's care waited until it was undeniable that her eye must come out.  But I have certainly come across the occasional greedy vet in my time.  If you have any pet-loving friends, consider asking them what they think of their own vets.

A vet will look at the eye to determine whether there appears to be any active infection or corneal ulcers.  Sometimes chronic eye drainage can be an indication of these things, but it may also occur as the result of a blocked tear duct, which is no big deal.  Eye ulcers and infections can be treated with drops.  The vet will also check the kitty's eye pressure, and this is most important.  Many vets have this ability in their own office, although some may need to refer you to a veterinary ophthalmologist.  If the cat's intraocular pressure is high, this is a very painful situation and often cannot be resolved.  Some eye drops can be tried, but if the condition doesn't resolve within a few weeks of treatment, enucleation should be considered.

In most cases, problem eyes tend to shut down and shrink as less aqueous humour (liquid in the eye) circulates, rather than swell up, however.  Leaving the eye in place is not generally considered a health problem in these cases.  At times, the ocular orifice should be surgically sewn up.

Best wishes,
Jessica