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Why is my cat's eye turning white and getting worse despite treatment?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 1 year and 1 month old | 2.5 lbs

undiagnosed eye disease My cat had an inflammation in her eye about 4 months ago, I took it to the vet and she recommended me to use Predsim, since the eye was not getting better, I took it to an ophthalmologist and he recommended me to use Ster, I've been doing it for 2 months. the applications and yesterday her eye was very white and I'm very worried, because no one really knows what it really has. Can you help me?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Lauren Jones VMD

Veterinarian

Published on October 14th, 2021

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!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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