White Spots on Cat's Eye: Possible Causes and Solutions

White Spots on Cat's Eye: Possible Causes and Solutions. One day, looking closer at one of my furry ones, I noticed that she had two white spots on her eyes.. I went into despair thinking the worst, that my kitten was going blind, and to make matters worse, I didn't have the money to take her to the vet.

So, my only alternative was to search the internet and, after a long time, I discovered that my cat had acquired a disease called “Florida Spots”. This disease is not so serious, as it only affects the aesthetics of cats, with no risk of causing discomfort or blindness.

However, before reaching that conclusion, I discovered that there were two more possible causes of these stains, which unfortunately can make your cat blind: cataracts and corneal ulcers. In this article, I talk about these three diseases that can affect our felines.

what is Florida Spots?

Florida Spots are white spots on the cat's eye that can appear on the iris of a cat's eyes. These spots are considered an anomaly, as the iris is normally uniformly colored. Florida Spots can vary in size, shape and quantity. Some spots are small and inconspicuous, while others may be larger and more visible.

Possible causes

Although the exact causes of Florida Spots are not fully understood, several theories have been proposed to explain their occurrence. Some research suggests that these spots may be a result of genetic mutations. Another theory is that Florida Spots could be a form of heterochromia, a condition where an individual's eyes are different colors. Additionally, some experts believe that environmental factors or eye injuries may also play a role in the development of these spots.

Features and Diagnosis

Florida Spots generally do not cause significant health problems for cats. They are often discovered during routine checkups or when the owner observes a change in the animal's eye color. The white spots may be present in one or both of the cat's eyes and may remain stable throughout the cat's life.

It is important to note that although Florida Spots are generally benign, any change in a cat's eye should be evaluated by a veterinarian. The veterinarian will perform a complete eye exam and may order additional tests, if needed, to rule out any underlying health issues.

In general, cats with Florida Spots do not require special care. It is essential to ensure that the cat has a balanced diet, adequate exercise and access to regular veterinary care. In addition, it is critical to note any changes in the cat's behavior or eyes and report any concerns to the veterinarian.

In some rare cases, Florida Spots can be associated with more serious underlying conditions such as eye inflammation, cataracts or glaucoma. Therefore, veterinary follow-up is essential to monitor the cat's eye health and take appropriate measures if necessary.

cataracts in cats : White Spots on the Cat's Eye

Another possible cause of white spots in the cat's eye is the cataract, which is a condition in which the crystalline lens, the lens located behind the iris, loses transparency, as explained by Gabriel. This affects the quality of the animal's vision and, if not treated in time, can lead to irreversible damage, including blindness.

Although it is less common in felines, cats can also develop cataracts, usually associated with aging or systemic diseases. The veterinarian warns that cataracts in cats can occur due to several factors, such as the natural aging of the organism (senescence), inflammations intraocular (such as glaucoma) or diabetes.

If you suspect your kitty has cataracts in her eyes, it's relatively easy to spot the symptoms of the condition. The main feature is the opacity of the crystalline lens, which manifests itself as a spot in the animal's eye and can progress over time. As explained by Gabriel, the tutor can observe the opacity and notice a gradual whitening of the lens, which may initially have a bluish tint and evolve to a more pronounced white appearance in more advanced stages.

It is essential to carry out an ophthalmological examination for an accurate diagnosis of the disease and to start treatment, so be sure to consult a specialized veterinarian to understand what is happening.

Treatment of cataracts in cats can vary based on the underlying causes. According to the veterinarian, there are eye drops available, both for human and veterinary use, that can improve the opacity of senile cataracts and be recommended as a treatment, but this is not always an effective measure.

For example, in the case of cataracts caused by diabetes, the treatment must be linked: “By properly treating this condition, it is possible to obtain cataract remission, that is, the crystalline lens can become transparent again. However, this depends on the severity of the disease and the effectiveness/response to treatment.”

However, in some cases, the use of eye drops, blood glucose control (in the case of diabetes) or intraocular pressure control (in the case of glaucoma) may not be effective. In these cases, Gabriel explains that it is necessary to consult a veterinarian specialized in ophthalmology to assess the possibility of surgery. If this is considered the best option, the postoperative period must be carefully planned and monitored by the professional, in order to avoid a possible recurrence of the disease.

The best way to prevent cataracts and other eye problems in cats is through regular visits to a clinical veterinarian. “The physical exam is valuable for general information, including the eye exam.

Ulcer in cats What is corneal ulcer in cats?

Corneal ulcer is an injury that occurs in the anterior layer of the cat's eye, known as the cornea. The cornea plays an important role in focusing light onto the retina through the pupil, as well as providing protection to the eye. When this layer is damaged, corneal ulcer formation occurs in cats.

The eye ulcer is basically a corneal wound that can be caused by several reasons. Depending on the extent of the injury, it can be classified as superficial or deep. Both injuries are painful and can lead to a secondary bacterial infection. When this occurs, the injury worsens and the clinical picture may worsen. Therefore, prompt treatment is essential.

What are the causes of eye ulcer in cats?

Corneal ulcer in cats is often the result of trauma. It can occur when the cat falls from a height, gets involved in fights, collides with objects or chemical substances that cause damage to the eyes. Also, corneal ulcer in cats can be caused by:

Eye infections caused by viruses, fungi or bacteria;
Presence of a tumor in the region, causing an increase in volume and predisposing the eye to injuries;
Deficiency in tear production due to keratoconjunctivitis sicca;
Entropion, which is when the eyelid turns inwards of the eye, causing the eyelashes to affect the cornea.
Any cat, from puppies to the elderly, can develop corneal ulcers, since everyone is subject to eye injuries or accidents.

Clinical signs of corneal ulcer in cats

Clinical signs of corneal ulcer in cats can include:

Excessive tearing;
Pain;
Affected eye more closed;
White spot in the eye;
Eye discharge;
Photophobia (sensitivity to light);
Increased frequency and speed of blinks;
Itchy eyes;
Increase of volume;
Redness.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Corneal Ulcers in Cats

To diagnose corneal ulcer in cats and determine the best treatment, it is necessary for the veterinarian to examine the animal. One of the methods used is the test with an eye drop called fluorescein.

Fluorescein eye drops are applied directly in the veterinarian's office and color the possible lesions present on the cornea. With the help of a special light, the professional can assess the amount and severity of the problem.

In addition to the fluorescein test, if the cat has other clinical signs, the veterinarian can perform other tests, such as the Schirmer test, which aims to evaluate tear production. This test is often performed when keratoconjunctivitis sicca is suspected. It is noteworthy that these tests are simple, fast and do not cause pain to the animal.

Once the diagnosis is made, the treatment of corneal ulcer in cats involves the administration of specific eye drops, prescribed by the veterinarian. There are several medications available, and choosing the most appropriate eye drops will depend on the severity of the injury and the origin of the problem.

It is essential to use the Elizabethan collar, known as a “cone”, to prevent the cat from scratching the affected eye, as this could aggravate the injury. Also, it is important to keep the eye clean. In the case of non-traumatic corneal ulcers, it is necessary to treat the underlying disease causing the injury.

For example, if the corneal ulcer is the result of keratoconjunctivitis sicca, it may be necessary to administer eye drops that act as a tear substitute in order to prevent further injury. In cases of entropion, surgical correction may be required. Appropriate treatment will depend on the specific cause and severity of the corneal ulcer in each cat.

In summary, the diagnosis of corneal ulcer in cats involves tests such as the fluorescein test and, if necessary, the Schirmer test. Treatment consists of the administration of appropriate eye drops, in addition to the use of the Elizabethan collar and adequate cleaning of the affected eye. In non-traumatic cases, the underlying cause of the ulcer must be treated. It is essential to follow the veterinarian's instructions to ensure the complete recovery of the animal.

The differences between cataracts, corneal ulcers and "florida spots" (white spots on the cat's eye)

Cataract:
Cataracts are an eye condition characterized by clouding of the crystalline lens, which is the natural lens of the eye. This opacity prevents proper passage of light to the retina, resulting in blurred or blurred vision. Cataracts can affect both cats and humans, and their causes can be congenital (present from birth) or acquired throughout life, such as injuries, eye diseases, diabetes, advanced age, among other factors. The main treatment for cataracts is surgery to remove the clouded lens, followed by implantation of an intraocular lens if necessary.

corneal ulcer:
A corneal ulcer is an injury to the outermost, transparent layer of the eye, called the cornea. This injury can be caused by trauma such as scratches, impacts, or exposure to irritants. Corneal ulcers in cats are relatively common. Symptoms include eye pain, redness, excessive tearing, eye discharge, sensitivity to light, and changes in the appearance of the cornea. Diagnosis is made by a veterinarian through eye examinations. Treatment may involve the use of eye drops or ointments, as well as measures to prevent infections. In severe cases, surgical intervention may be required.

Florida Spots (Calcium Spots on the Cornea):
Florida Spots, or calcium stains on the cornea, are calcium deposits that form on the surface of the cornea. These spots appear as small white, opaque, raised areas on the cornea. They usually do not cause symptoms and do not affect vision. The cause is believed to be a buildup of calcium resulting from chronic corneal irritation, often associated with chronic conjunctivitis.

I want to make it clear that this article is not a substitute for a trip to the vet. Therefore, if you notice white spots in your cat's eye and you are able to take him to a veterinary clinic, don't think twice. I was “lucky” that it wasn't a serious illness, but Florida Spots. However, it could be the cataract or the corneal ulcer. If you love your kitty, don't skimp and take him to the vet.