Red eyes or conjunctivitis is the inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is the eyelid lining. If the white of the eyes (the sclera) is also affected, the condition is known as pink eye. The condition may be caused by allergens, viruses, bacteria or fungi. The pink eye medication varies according to the cause of the condition. Typically, the cat will receive eye drops or topical ointments and possibly some antibiotics.
Causes of Pink Eyes
Pink eye is among the most common cat ailments and may be caused by allergens or by viruses, fungi or bacteria.
The most common allergens that cause the pink eye are:
- Grasses
- Pollens
- Dust
- Mold
- Chemicals
The herpes virus may often cause pink eye. The bacteria chlamydophila is the most common bacterial cause of conjunctivitis. Fungi such as candida albicans may cause infections, but are uncommon.
Foreign objects such as eye lashes may also cause inflammation and irritation.
Symptoms of Pink Eye
Cats with a pink eye will have swollen and irritated eyes. There may be a discharge coming from the eyes. The discharge may be:
- Clear and watery if the pink eye is caused by allergies
- Yellow or greenish and more consistent if the irritation is viral, bacterial or fungal
The cat may have difficulties in seeing or blinking, as the third eyelid covers the eye partially or totally.
Pink Eye Medication
If you notice any symptoms or a discharge form the eyes, take your cat to the vet. The vet will take a sample of the discharge or a conjunctiva scrape to determine the nature of the infection.
Eye irrigations will be needed to treat the pink eye. The vet will prescribe some eye drops containing steroids, antibiotics or anti inflammatory solution. The contents of the eye drops depend on the causes of the pink eye. Light infections may be treated with eye drops only. However, if you use eye drops and the condition shows no improvement after 24 to 48 hours, you should check back with your vet.
Your vet may also recommend some ointments containing bactericides or fungicides.
Oral antibiotics may be prescribed for more severe cases. The antibiotic treatment should be kept for up to 14 days. The type of antibiotics depends on the underlying cause of the infection. If the condition doesn’t improve after 3 days of treatment consult your vet.
If the pink eye is caused by allergies, the vet will prescribe some steroids or antihistamines to relieve the irritation. Additional tests will be performed to identify the irritants and the vet will prescribe a long term treatment according to the results. Allergy shots or immunotherapy may be recommended and can heal the allergies for good.
Natural remedies may also be used. Use some eye drops containing chamomile, which will soothe the irritation and vaccinium myrtilus (bilberry), which will restore the health of the eyes and prevent eye infections.
If left untreated, the condition may cause vision impairment.