Eye infections can also be caused by viral or bacterial infections. Feline calicivirus is a highly contagious virus that causes cat flu and can cause conjunctivitis. Similarly, feline herpesvirus is a highly contagious virus that can cause conjunctivitis and, less commonly, keratitis (inflammation of the cornea) (the transparent front part of the eye). Keratitis-induced corneal damage can result in blindness. Feline chlamydophilosis is a bacterial infection that causes conjunctivitis. Other viral infections, such as feline immunodeficiency virus, feline leukemia virus, and feline infectious peritonitis, can cause uveitis (inflammation of the uvea, which includes the iris) and blindness.
Symptoms of an eye infection
- Ocular discharge (eye discharge) that ranges in color from clear to green-yellow and can dry to form a crust
- Excessive tear production
- Eye inflammation
- Conjunctiva swollen and red
- Corneal cloudiness
- Squinting is caused by discomfort, but severe inflammation can also result in scarring and fusion of the eyelids to the eye, particularly in kittens.
- Rubbing as a result of discomfort
