Cherry Eye in Cats

Cherry eye disease, when it occurs, causes a somewhat worrying appearance. It gets its name from the inflammation and redness of the cat's third eyelid, resembling a cherry. Cherry eye is also seen in dogs and rabbits. In cats, cherry eye is not just a cosmetic problem. Constant rubbing of the eye with the cat's paw can lead to ulceration or infection. In very rare cases, surgery may be necessary to prevent recurrence. Brachycephalic breeds like Persian cats are more prone to cherry eye.

This condition, also known as "cherry eye" in cats, is the protrusion of the membrane called the third eyelid. The third eyelid is the innermost layer of the eyelid that protects the cat's eye. While this membrane normally performs its function, it is invisible from the outside because it is located on the inner corner of the eye. When it becomes inflamed, it swells and turns red. In this case, it protrudes from the edge of the eye and becomes visible from the outside.

Cherry Eye Symptoms in Cats

Cherry eye disease in cats causes multiple symptoms. The most well-known is the protrusion of a pink or red piece from the edge of the eye. Other symptoms of cherry eye include dry eyes, corneal ulcers, irritation, corneal inflammation, or inability to close the eye. Cherry eye can sometimes resolve on its own, but sometimes it does not. Dry eyes occur due to the membrane not functioning properly. Dry eyes cause discomfort and itching. Dry eyes can lead to corneal ulcers. Therefore, eye treatment should be done immediately. Otherwise, corneal ulcers are very painful and can lead to permanent eye damage. There is no single answer to the question, "What causes cherry eye in cats?" Cherry eye is usually caused by rubbing, scratching, or a foreign object in the eye. Soil, grass, or other materials can cause discomfort and itching in the eye, leading to cherry eye. Also, the size of the eye socket can make cats more prone to cherry eye. In flat-faced breeds, eyes that are too large for the eye socket can cause the third eyelid to become more visible with a slight inflammation. Finally, weakening of the retinaculum, which are tendons that hold the third eyelid in place, can also lead to cherry eye. The retinaculum is weak from birth in some cats, and in others it can weaken over time. How is Cherry Eye Diagnosed? Cherry eye disease in cats is quite easy to diagnose. Since cherry eye is visible from the outside, no additional examination is necessary. However, to find out what is causing cherry eye, the cat needs to be examined by a veterinarian. A careful eye examination is performed to determine if there is a foreign object in the eye. If the problem is the size of the eye socket or a weak retinaculum, cherry eye disease may recur in the future. Cherry Eye Treatment Methods The treatment method varies depending on the condition of the membrane. In fact, in very mild cases, treatment is not needed. Sometimes cherry eye disease can resolve on its own. In cases where the membrane is not very protruding, the veterinarian can reposition the membrane with their finger. However, the membrane usually reappears after a while. In cases where cherry eye is chronic and causes problems, surgery may be necessary to correct the physical abnormality. In surgical intervention, the membrane is stitched back in place and the inflammation is relieved. In this way, the membrane regains its function of moisturizing the eye. In some cases, the membrane may completely lose its function. When such a situation occurs, the entire membrane is removed.

What Causes Cherry Eye in Cats?

There is no single answer to the question, "What causes cherry eye disease in cats?" Cherry eye is usually caused by rubbing, scratching, or a foreign object in the eye. Soil, grass, or other materials can cause discomfort and itching in the eye, leading to cherry eye. The size of the eye socket can also make cats more susceptible to cherry eye. In flat-faced breeds, eyes that are too large for the eye socket can cause the third eyelid to become more visible due to a slight inflammation. Finally, weakening of the retinaculum, the tendons that hold the third eyelid in place, can also lead to cherry eye. The retinaculum may be weak from birth in some cats, while in others it may weaken over time.

How is Cherry Eye Diagnosed?

Cherry eye disease in cats is quite easy to diagnose. Since cherry eye is visible from the outside, no additional examination is necessary. However, to determine the cause of cherry eye, the cat needs to be examined by a veterinarian. A careful eye examination is performed to determine if there is a foreign object in the eye. Cherry eye disease can recur if the problem is an enlarged eye socket or a weak retina.

Cherry Eye Treatment Methods

The treatment method varies depending on the condition of the membrane. In very mild cases, treatment may not be necessary. Sometimes cherry eye disease can resolve spontaneously. In cases where the membrane is not protruding significantly, a veterinarian can reposition it with their finger. However, the membrane usually becomes visible again after a while. In cases where cherry eye is chronic and causes problems, surgery may be necessary to correct the physical abnormality. In surgical intervention, the membrane is sutured back in place and the inflammation is treated. In this way, the membrane regains its function of moisturizing the eye. In some cases, the membrane may completely lose its function. When this occurs, the entire membrane is removed.

In cases where secondary diseases such as corneal ulcers caused by cherry eye are present, eye ointment or drops can be used to treat this condition. Cherry eye is not a very serious condition, but it needs to be treated if there is chronic inflammation. Very rarely, vision loss occurs as a result of excessive corneal injury. It is not possible to prevent cherry eye. If the cat is born with a weak retinaculum tendon or an enlarged eyeball, there is no way to prevent cherry eye. However, by regularly checking the cat's eyes, cherry eye can be treated before it progresses.