Protrusion of Third Eyelid in Cats

Protrusion of Third Eyelid in Cats

Overview of Protrusion of Third Eyelid in Cats

Protrusion, prolapse or elevation of the third eyelid, sometimes referred to as “cherry eye”, refers to the abnormal elevation of the smooth inner eyelid that is located between the cornea and the inside corner of the eyelids closest to the nose. The third eyelid (TE) is usually retracted beneath the eyelids and barely noticeable. The third eyelid is also sometimes called the membrana nictitans or nictitating membrane.

Below is an overview of information about Protrusion of Third Eyelid in Cats followed by detailed information about the diagnosis and treatment options.

Causes of Feline Third Eyelid Protrusion

Numerous disorders affecting the eye, TE and soft tissues behind the eye can result in TE protrusion. Therefore, TE protrusion represents a nonspecific symptom of ophthalmic disease that warrants further diagnostic evaluation.

The causes of protrusion of the TE fall into several categories:

What to Watch For

Diagnosis of Protrusion of Third Eyelid in Cats

Diagnostic tests may include one or more of the following:

Treatment of Protrusion of Third Eyelid in Cats

Successful treatment requires obtaining an accurate diagnosis as to the cause. No symptomatic therapy can be initiated until the precise cause of TE elevation is identified.

Home Care for Protrusion of Third Eyelid in Cats

Vision is not usually compromised unless the third eyelid covers more than half of the eye. The underlying cause of the prolapse may affect vision, however. Confine your pet to a safe area until the cause of the problem is determined.

Do not administer human over-the-counter medications, such as Visine® or other ophthalmic remedies intended to “reduce eye redness” or irritation, because these medications rarely help the problem and may make diagnosis of the cause more difficult.

In-depth Information on Protrusion of Third Eyelid in Cats

Elevation, prolapse or protrusion of the third eyelid (membrana nictitans, nictitating membrane) refers to the abnormal elevation of the smooth inner eyelid that is located between the cornea and the inside corner of the eyelids closest to the nose. The third eyelid (TE) is usually retracted beneath the eyelids and barely noticeable. The ability to move the TE is involuntary in most animals; however, cats have some control over the movement of this membrane.

Numerous disorders affecting the eye, the tissues in the orbit behind the eye, and the neurologic functions around the eye can result in TE protrusion. In addition, certain systemic diseases and medications can also cause this condition. Therefore, TE protrusion in an animal represents a nonspecific symptom that warrants further diagnostic evaluation by a veterinarian to determine its exact cause.

Neurologic causes of prolapse of the third eyelid include the following:

In-depth Information on Diagnosis of Feline Protrusion of Third Eyelid

Diagnostic tests may include one or more of the following:

In-depth Information on Treatment of Feline Protrusion of Third Eyelid