Expert: Jessica - 6/26/2010

Question
Hello,
A few days ago my cat's upper eyelid became slightly squint so she can't open her eye as widely as the second one.Also her conjunctiva is irritated. Should we see the vet and how serious might it be?
Thank you

Answer
Hi Kristy,

You should see a vet.  Eye problems are usually not very serious when diagnosed and treated early, but they have the potential to escalate quickly and become very serious.  I've seen several cases where the eye has needed to be removed, when prompt treatment could have left the eye completely normal.

Most times, cats who are squinting an eye are doing so in response to pain.  Sometimes the tissues of the eyelid are so swollen the lid can't open normally.  These conditions are usually caused by infections such as the feline herpes virus, or by an injury.  Most of the time, these cases can be treated with a medicated drop or ointment.  

Occasionally, though, a squinted eye can be more serious.  Waiting too long to treat a feline herpes infection can actually cause the eyelid to permanently adhere to the cornea, and the cat won't be able to move the affected eyelid at all.  This can be corrected with surgery.

I would certainly recommend a vet visit on Monday.

Good luck!

Jessica