Cat eye problems include a variety of conditions that can affect felines of nearly any age or breed. Problems related to trauma or viral, bacterial and parasitic infections of the eye region may appear uncomfortable and unpleasant. Fortunately, many of these cat eye problems may be treated through a range of widely available topical ointments. Understanding the importance of treating eye problems and knowing how popular topical medications work may help cat owners address their pet's conditions simply and effectively.
Treating Cat Eye Problems
There are numerous symptoms associated with cat eye problems. Common infections like conjunctivitis, or "pink eye," or feline Chlamydia of the eye can cause symptoms like redness, swelling, itching, squinting, tearing and discharge. Seeking help for these and other signs of eye abnormalities is important since, without treatment, a cat may be at risk for developing chronic conditions and possible long-term vision loss.
How Cat Eye Ointments Work
Most cat eye ointments are topical medications available by
prescription from a veterinarian. Animal medical professionals
typically recommend applying these treatments, also called ophthalmic
ointments, to the affected area of a cat's closed eye. Because they are
designed to treat a range of feline eye conditions, the contents of
ointments and their treatment methods may vary. Here is a description
of some widely used topical medications and a summary of how they can
help treat common cat eye disorders:
Triple Antibiotic Ointment
This prescription topical treatment generally contains the antibiotics bacitracin, neomycin and polymixin, combined with hydrocortisone, a safe and commonly used corticosteroid. Generic triple antibiotic steroid ointment is often prescribed to treat feline eye problems caused by bacterial infections, including Chlamydia and secondary conditions associated with viral conjunctivitis.
The neomycin, bacitracin and polymixin medications help destroy harmful bacteria responsible for infections, while the hydrocortisone works to reduce subsequent swelling of the eyelids or surrounding eye area. This ointment is also available as the brand-name products TriOptic-P (Pfizer), Mycitracin (Pharmacia and Upjohn), Vetropolycin (Pharmaderm) and Neobacimyx (Schering Plough).
Terramyicin
Another topical antibiotic ointment prescribed for treating infections and symptoms related to feline conjunctivitis. This petroleum-based medication contains the antibiotics Polymyxin B and Oxytetracycline, which work by killing off infection-causing bacteria. Terramyicin is often recommended to treat mild cases of bacterial eye infections in cats.
Erythromycin
This commonly prescribed generic antibiotic ointment is used to treat bacterial infections of the feline eye and eyelids. The medication, also known as Erythromycin Opthalmic Ointment, is generally considered to be well tolerated by most cats. It is often prescribed to eliminate bacteria responsible for seondary conjunctivitis infections.
Chloramphenicol
This broad-spectrum topical antibiotic that may be used to treat
bacterial infections associated with conjunctivitis. This mineral oil
and petroleum jelly-based medication is designed to fight a range of
harmful bacteria, including strains of Staphylococus aureus, E.coli and
Staphylococus hemolyticus.
Feline eye problems caused by
infection, trauma and other conditions can create a number of
unpleasant symptoms for cat and owner alike. Luckily, many signs
associated with eye disorders, such as swelling, redness, irritation,
may be easily relieved through the use of popular topical opthalmic
ointments.