My cats eyes...

Question
I have a neutred, 2 year old male Persian named Zeuz. I got him from a local shelter about 8-9 months ago. I have been to the vet for his shots in the past month and have noticed something change with his eye color since my last visit. I don't want to go back just yet, as I am still recovering financially from the last visit. He has these bright yellow eyes, and today I noticed a soft almost green ring around his pupil. I thought it was the light I was under, but it wasn't. Is this a cause for concern, or is it something that I could remedy by taking a trip to the local pet store ?    

Concerned,  

Answer
Hi, Melanie!

You should definitely be concerned about this.  I'm not a professional, and I certainly can't diagnose your kitty, but what it sounds like to me is a very serious eye problem called uveitis.  This is an inflammation of the globe of the eye.  It can be caused by numerous things, including an injury to the eye, cancer, infection of the eye, and diseases which affect the nervous system, such as Feline Leukemia and Feline Infectious Peritonitis.  But about 70% of cases occur for no apparent reason.  

Most times, uveitis renders the affected eye blind.  I have dealt with uveitis more times than I can count.  I believe only one case ended up not affecting the sight at all.  The rest lost at least partial sight, either because scar tissue formed and blocked the pupil, or because the lens was displaced by swelling or scarring.  

Despite the fact that the sight may already be lost, it's very important to treat it.  Uveitis is an extremely painful condition.  Additionally, it often leads to glaucoma.  And since glaucoma can be very difficult to cure in cats, removal of the eye is typically suggested.  This is not of much consequence to the cat, because even if the uveitis did not leave the eye blind, glaucoma is nearly certain to.  However, the surgery can run from $600-$1500 at the average vet hospital, and the look wouldn't be terribly aesthetically pleasing to you.  So if you want to avoid having to take the eye out, prompt vet attention is necessary.

Another reason to act quickly is that uveitis can be sympathetic - it spreads to the other eye.  That could result in complete blindness and the need to remove that eye, as well.

Unfortunately, uveitis can only be treated with prescription drugs, usually a steroidal eye drop and an antibiotic eye drop or ointment.  

If treatment doesn't work within several weeks, it may be best to remove the eye to prevent chronic pain if at all possible given your financial situation.

There could be far less serious conditions that cause an eye color change, but I'm not aware of them.

Best wishes, and if you think of it, please let me know what the vet says!

Jessica