How To Treat Cataracts In Cats – 5 Steps

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It’s very important Go to the vet if you think your cat suffers from cataracts, because the consequences for their quality of life are considerable. If this is the case, his vision will be diminished, to the point of losing his sight completely if the problem is very advanced. At this point they will only perceive light, no image. If cataracts are not operated on, they can reach a state of hypermaturity, where tiny particles pass through the lens. When the body reacts to this, a dangerous inflammation called phacolytic uveitisthe lens becomes larger and the precipitated proteins can cause glaucoma or ocular hypertension, causing pain and even preventing the eyelids from closing due to the increased size of the eye.

To clear up doubts, we advise you to read the article How to know if my cat has cataracts.

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In the slightest doubt of cataracts, you should go to the vet so that he can perform it on your cat a previous diagnosis to the treatment you require. Both eyes will be checked to highlight the problems that exist. Normally, devices such as direct and indirect ophthalmoscopes to see the different structures of the eye and check if the cataract is a fact. If the lens remains transparent, the retina can be seen, which can also be altered, hence the importance of treating immediately at the slightest suspicion. When the lens is opaque, the retina is analyzed with crossed and direct pupillary reflexes. With an ultrasound, the vet will be able to see if there are any tumors, hemorrhages or retinal detachments.

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The best treatment for cataracts is surgical intervention. Eye drops are considered ineffective, however, when it comes to not very advanced cataracts, they can be prescribed vitamins and amino acids to improve metabolism. But the general recommendation is to operate as soon as possible even when there is vision, since this will reduce complications. Before the operation and by way of preparation, anti-inflammatories, pupillary dilators and antibiotics are usually prescribed. The intervention is under general anesthesia and is performed with high-precision instruments to make a small incision in the cornea, and through a very innovative technology, called a phacoemulsifier, which emits ultrasound, the cataract is broken and absorbed.

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After surgery, it is not necessary for your cat to stay in the hospital, it is normal for them to be placed around the neck an elizabethan collar to avoid touching or licking the eye area, so it can heal and have a favorable healing. In addition, the veterinarian will prescribe the necessary medication for pain, swelling and dilation, just like before the operation.

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Subsequently, your cat will have to undergo various check-ups and it is normal that once his eyes have been operated on, he sees objects that are close by less clearly, but in general his vision will improve.

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