Causes of a Cat's Single Eye流泪: Possible Illnesses Expl

When a cat's eye is leaking tears, it can be due to a variety of reasons, such as eye infections, foreign body irritation, nasal duct obstruction, or allergic reactions. Below are some common causes, along with detailed explanations to help you understand them better:

1. Nasal Duct Obstruction

Cats have a complex drainage system around their eyes known as the tear ducts, which are designed to channel excess tears into the nasal passages. If these ducts become blocked due to inflammation, foreign objects, or congenital defects, tears can't be drained properly, leading to overflow and tears streaming down the face.

Diagnosis: You can visit a veterinary clinic for tear quantity tests or a fluorescein test. Alternatively, you can purchase fluorescein sodium ophthalmic test strips for a home experiment.

Treatment:

Regularly wipe your cat's eye discharge and apply a drop of antiinflammatory eye drops to prevent infection.

Regularly massage your cat's nasolacrimal ducts to prevent blockages.

In cases of severe blockage, surgery to clear the ducts may be necessary at a veterinary clinic.

2. Eye Infection

Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections can trigger conjunctivitis or other eye diseases, which can stimulate the eyes to produce excessive tears. If the infection is limited to one eye, unilateral tearing may occur. If left untreated, it can eventually affect the other eye as well.

Diagnosis: Look for symptoms like swollen conjunctiva, redness around the eyes, increased discharge, cloudy cornea, and other signs of eye infection. If these symptoms are accompanied by sneezing, runny nose, or loss of appetite, it may be due to infections caused by herpesvirus, mycoplasma, or chlamydia.

Treatment:

Wash your cat's eyes with sterile saline solution to remove tears and discharge.

Use an Elizabethan collar to prevent your cat from scratching its eyes.

Apply Berlamin (neomycin sulfate eye drops) three to five times a day, one to two drops per session.

If there are symptoms like sneezing and runny nose, consider using antiviral eye drops such as acyclovir or famciclovir, along with oral medications like fenoctazole to control the infection.

3. Eye Structural Issues

Conditions like misaligned eyelashes, entropion (inward turning of the eyelids), or long hair around the eyes can irritate the eye and lead to tearing.

Treatment:

If the issue is due to hair irritation, regular grooming should suffice.

In cases of misaligned eyelashes or entropion, consult a veterinarian to determine if surgery is needed.

4. Trauma or Foreign Body Irritation

Any small particle that enters the eye, such as dust, sand, or plant fibers, can cause discomfort and stimulate tear production. Mild scratches or blows to the eye can also lead to similar symptoms.

Management:

Carefully inspect your cat's eye and flush it with saline solution if a foreign object is found.

If the foreign object cannot be cleaned out or if there is a visible eye injury, seek professional help immediately.

5. Other Potential Factors

There are some less common but still significant causes, such as tumors or early glaucoma, which can also lead to a cat's eyes leaking tears. For persistent or symptomatic cases, it's advisable to consult a veterinarian early on for an accurate diagnosis.