Things Pet Owners Should Know About Possible Cat Eye Surgery

As a pet owner, one would never want their pets to get hurt, experience pain, or have to undergo surgery that may leave them without everything they were born with. But, sometimes, it’s necessary.

Pets are cherished family members. And, like our human family members, our pets can face different health issues.

As far back as ancient Egypt, about 3000 years ago, there were reports of cataract operations in humans. Nevertheless, this is, of course, not comparable with today's highly technical eye surgery.

Here, we will understand cat eye surgery in detail. 

This blog will cover:

• Common eye symptoms
• Step-by-step feline eye surgery process
• Post-surgery care and recovery
• Potential risks and complications
• Alternatives to cat eye surgery

Keep reading to gain valuable insights! Also, check out this blog for more information on different types of cat surgery procedures.

Symptoms of Eye Problems in Cats

If you notice any of these symptoms in your cat, take expert advice from a vet as soon as possible:

• Visible third eyelid
• Cloudiness in the eyes
• Rapid blinking or keeping one (or both) eye(s) closed
• Redness or swelling
• Discharge or weeping from the eyes
• Dilated pupils
• A noticeable lump in or around the eye 

Cat Eye Surgery Process: Step by Step

1. Pre-Surgery Preparation

In order to go for smooth and successful feline eye surgery, it is crucial to prepare your cat before surgery. 

Below are common steps that veterinarian usually recommends as pre-surgery doings.

Fasting

Ensure that your cat may not eat anything for a few hours before the surgery to prevent anesthesia complications. 

Health Evaluation 

As soon as your cat surgery is taken to the operation table, the vets will conduct tests like blood screening and possibly imaging. All this is meant to ensure your cat is healthy enough for surgery.

Medication

The vets prescribe some medications to reduce the risk of infection or manage inflammation. However, the medication and dosage depend on the type of cat surgery.

2. During Surgery

Cat eye surgery is generally performed under general anesthesia to ensure the cat remains still and pain-free. 

The procedure varies based on the condition being treated:

Types of Cat Eye Surgery

This involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with an artificial one.

1. Cataract Surgery

• Removal of the cloudy lens inside the eye
• Lens replacement with an artificial one
• Requires general anesthesia for the cat’s safety
• Typically used to treat age-related or genetic cataracts
• Post-surgery care includes eye drops and limited activity
• Recovery time ranges from 2-3 weeks

2. Corneal Surgery

• Performed to treat corneal ulcers or injuries
• Involves removing damaged tissue from the cornea
• Sutures or grafting may be required to repair severe ulcers
• Usually prescribed when medication fails to heal the cornea
• Eye drops or ointments are used post-surgery
• Full recovery can take 10-14 days

3. Entropion Surgery

• Corrects inward rolling of the eyelids
• Reshapes or removes part of the eyelid
• Typically performed on both upper and lower lids
• Prevents rubbing of eyelashes against the cornea
• Post-surgery, a protective collar is often required
• Healing time is around 2 weeks

4. Glaucoma Surgery

• Reduces intraocular pressure caused by fluid buildup
• May involve creating drainage channels in the eye
• Sometimes requires laser surgery to manage fluid
• Used when medications can’t control eye pressure
• Follow-up visits to monitor pressure
• Long-term care and use of medication

5. Eyelid Tumor Removal

• Removes benign or malignant tumors from the eyelids.
• Surgery ensures complete tumor excision.
• Requires histopathology to determine tumor potency.
• Sutures are used to close the incision.
• Post-surgery care includes eye ointments to aid healing.
• Regular vet checks are required for recovery monitoring.

6. Cherry Eye Surgery

• Corrects prolapse of the third eyelid gland.
• The gland is either repositioned or partially removed.
• Prevents further inflammation or infection in the eye.
• Post-operative care involves anti-inflammatory drops.
• Early treatment prevents permanent gland damage.
• Cat surgery recovery usually takes 1-2 weeks.

Commonly, feline surgeries are performed in a few hours. 

However, the cat needs close monitoring while waking up from anesthesia.

3. Cat Eye Surgery Before and After: What to Expect

Before Surgery

• Detailed diagnostic tests are performed to confirm surgery need.
• Receive instructions from vets on how to prepare your cat.
• Learn about surgery's risks, benefits, and the expected outcome from veterinarians.

After Surgery

• Your cat may feel sleepy and confused after anesthesia.
• The vet will prescribe antibiotics to manage pain and prevent infections.
• Expect a recovery period of 10-14 days; however, the recovery period can also depend on the complexity of the surgery.
• Provide vet-recommended foods and painkillers.

After surgery, your cat ought to be monitored closely to ensure that the side effects of anesthesia go normal and your cat shifts to a conscious state smoothly. 

Also, provide adequate nutrition and other prescribed food to fasten the healthy healing. 

To prevent the cat from scratching or rubbing its eyes, make sure you fit it with an Elizabethan collar, also known as the cone collar. 

Cat Recovery & Post Surgery Precautions

After the surgery is over, it is crucial to pay attention to the aftercare to help your cat recover well. 

It is imperative to follow veterinarian instructions to avoid complications and head for a smooth recovery.  

Here’s what to expect in terms of recovery:

• Administer prescribed medications (painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics)
• Use a protective collar (cone) to prevent rubbing or scratching
• Schedule follow-up vet appointments for monitoring
• Restrict your cat’s movement for 2 weeks
• Watch for swelling, discharge, or redness
• Ensure a clean and stress-free environment for recovery
• Monitor eating and drinking habits to ensure proper hydration and nutrition
• Keep the surgery site clean and dry, following vet guidelines 

Potential Risks and Complications of Cat Eye Surgery

Although cat eye surgery is generally safe, there are always potential risks involved.

Common complications include:

1. Infection: 

While rare, infections can develop if bacteria enter the eye post-surgery. 

Always administer prescribed antibiotics as directed.

2. Swelling or Redness: 

Some swelling is normal, but extreme swelling or redness could signal a complication.

3. Vision Loss: 

In rare cases, surgery may not fully restore vision. This is more likely if the eye condition was severe or advanced before the surgery.

If you notice any concerning signs after surgery, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Alternatives to Cat Eye Surgery

Sometimes, surgery may not be the only option. 

Alternatives are depending on the eye condition and its severity. These include:

1. Medications

Eye drops, oral medications, or ointments can help manage some conditions like minor corneal ulcers or glaucoma in the early stages.

2. Laser Therapy

Laser surgery can reduce eye pressure without invasive surgery for certain issues, such as some types of glaucoma.

3. Diet and Supplements 

Sometimes, specific nutrients can significantly improve cat eye health and vision recovery. However, this is not a complete cure, but it delays the need for surgery and improves the cat's health for the duration of surgery if necessary. 

Always consult with your veterinarian to adopt any alternatives or medication to cure your cat's vision disorder at home. 

Final Thoughts

Cat eye surgery is often the best option for treating serious eye conditions. With proper pre-and post-surgery care, many cats experience improved vision and a better quality of life.

Search a Vet can help you provide the best possible care your cat companion deserves. 

We connect you to top veterinarians, animal hospitals, and veterinary practices to get online appointments and consultations on a single platform related to your cat's eye problems. 

We aim to remove the gap between pet parents and animal health care professionals to make pet health more accessible. 

Search a Vet enables pet parents to address common cat diseases and get immediate vet help by locating the most reliable clinic in your area. 

FAQs

1. How long will my cat need to wear a protective cone after surgery?

Depending on how well the eye heals, your cat will likely need to wear a cone for 10 to 14 days. The vet will assess the situation during follow-up visits.

2. Can eye surgery fully restore my cat’s vision?

Vision can be significantly improved in many cases, such as cataract surgery. However, some cats may not regain full vision, especially if the condition was severe before surgery.