Why is my cat's eye turning white and getting worse despite treatment?
I understand how frustrating this situation must be. Based on Mochi's young age, the fairly rapid progression, and the appearance of her eye in the picture, my best guess is that this may be symblepharon. With this condition, part of the eyelids and conjunctiva fuse to other surfaces in the eye, causing this diffuse white appearance. In some cases, tear production can be affected, causing a dry eye situation. Cats can be affected with this issues if they are infected with a viral infection (especially herpesvirus) early in life or in utero, or following other eye trauma (such as a corneal ulcer). The unfortunate thing is that once this change occurs, it's typically permanent. Aside from wiping the eye discharge periodically and monitoring for signs of dry eye (redness, irritation), there really isn't much that can be done. Now, with all of that said, I would still follow your ophthalmologist's guidance since they have examined Mochi. There are no specific tests for this condition aside from looking for changes during an eye exam. Since her eye has gotten more white since starting this medication, I think it would be best to return to the ophthalmologist for a follow up visit so that they can assess these new changes. I hope that everything goes well!
Updated on September 23rd, 2025