- Neurological disorders
Because visual signals travel through the optic nerves to the brain and are processed there, diseases affecting the brain (such as infections, inflammatory conditions, or tumors) can result in blindness.
- Degeneration of the retina
Cats, like humans, can suffer from degeneration of the retina, the layer of light-sensitive cells at the back of the eye that is responsible for vision. When this happens, it is usually a slow process that gives cats time to adjust to their reduced vision. However, on rare occasions, this can occur suddenly.