Why are my cat’s corneas cloudy?

Our question this week was:

Dr. Debra – I rescued a kitten of about 5 months old a year and a have ago, he was so sick and had white cloudiness on each cornea of his eyes. The Vet said it was because of a bad sinus condition he has had that has gotten into his bones and will never go away. He is two years old now and still has a sinus condition and cloudiness on his eyes. My Question is this, is there any cure or study done on this condition?

Cindy Flansburgh

Answer

Hi – thanks for your email. You wrote that your cat has a white cloudiness on his corneas. The most likely cause is from an upper respiratory tract infection (herpes virus, calicivirus and Chlamydia) that can cause sneezing, nasal discharge, oral ulcers and eye infections. Some of the problems can cause chronic eye problems including scaring of the corneas. These problems can also lead to a condition called Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (KCS – also known as dry eye).

Your cat should probably have a test for feline leukemia virus and feline aids virus (FeLV and FIV) if he has not already been tested.

Also – I’d have the eyes rechecked at some point. He may benefit form seeing a specialist – that is a veterinary ophthalmologist.

A couple of articles that might be helpful to you are – Feline Upper Respiratory Tract Infections, Cloudy eyes in cats, Keratoconjunctivitis in Cats and Conjunctivitis in Cats.

Best of luck!

Dr. Debra

To read most recent questions Click here!

**Click here to see the full list of Ask Dr. Debra Questions and Answers