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Can Human Eye Drops Be Used for Cats? - Safe Eye Treatm

19. December 2024
In our daily lives, it's not uncommon to see our feline companions experiencing eye discomfort, much

In our daily lives, it's not uncommon to see our feline companions experiencing eye discomfort, much like humans. When a cat's eyes show signs of trouble, such as redness, excessive tearing, or an increase in discharge, pet owners might consider using overthecounter eye drops to alleviate their pets' symptoms. However, it's crucial to gather the right information before taking any action.

First and foremost, it's important to clarify that while some human eye drops can be used for cats, this should not be done without caution.

Many human eye drops are prescription medications and should only be used under the guidance of a professional veterinarian. Misuse can lead to severe side effects for both cats and humans, including allergies, increased intraocular pressure, vision loss, and corneal damage.

Therefore, when your cat or dog's eyes become inflamed, please avoid giving them longterm or excessive doses of antibiotics or corticosteroid eye drops without consulting a professional veterinarian.

Here are some common side effects of human eye drops:

Corticosteroid Eye Drops: Medications like dexamethasone and prednisolone eye drops should only be used after a slit lamp examination and fluorescence staining to ensure there are no corneal ulcers or damage.

Oxofloxacin Eye Drops: This medication can cause paralysis and neurological symptoms. Although some pets may not experience adverse effects, it's best not to take chances.

Chloramphenicol Eye Drops: Despite having a low concentration of chloramphenicol, this medication can be absorbed through mucous membranes and deposited in the blood, potentially leading to aplastic anemia. It should not be used longterm or in large quantities.

Tobramycin Eye Drops: While considered relatively safe, this medication should not be used longterm as it can increase intraocular pressure in cats.

As for petspecific eye drops, there are many available on the market. It's advisable to choose a reputable brand. For instance, the Beramin (Neomycin Sulfate Eye Drops) by Purneet is a popular choice. This aminoglycoside antibiotic eye drop is effective against most Gramnegative bacteria, such as E. coli, Proteus, and Salmonella, and is also sensitive to Staphylococcus aureus. It is suitable for treating conjunctivitis, keratitis, and blepharitis in cats caused by bacterial infections.

If your cat exhibits symptoms beyond eye inflammation, such as a runny nose, sneezing, and lethargy, it's essential to visit a veterinarian for a PCR test to determine if they have been infected with feline herpesvirus. For eye inflammation caused by the herpesvirus, antiviral eye drops like acyclovir or ganciclovir are typically prescribed, along with oral or injectable doxycycline to control the infection.

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