Eye Drops for Cats: Types and How to Use Them

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Cat eyes are so unique — their irises have a range of beautiful colors, and their pupils are shaped as a long narrow slit. In the dark, cat eyes are impressively reflective. When cat eyes are inflamed, it is usually very noticeable. 

If your veterinarian confirms that your cat’s eyes are inflamed, they may recommend eye drops. Let’s take a closer look at why cats need eye drops in the first place and the different types of cat eye drops available. We’ll also share some vet-recommended products, and provide tips on how to use cat eye drops safely and effectively. 

Eye Drops for Cats: Why Your Cat Might Need Them

There are several conditions for which a veterinarian may prescribe eye drops for cats. These include:

• Conjunctivitis
• Corneal ulcers
• Uveitis
• Keratitis 
• Glaucoma

What follows is more information on each of the above conditions in cats:

Conjunctivitis. This means the tissue under the eyelids is inflamed, and it may appear swollen and deeply pink or even red. Your cat may have watery (serous) discharge that is clear or brown, or mucoid discharge that is thicker with a color of yellow or green. Eye infections — such as viruses including feline herpesvirus-1 or feline calicivirus, or bacteria including Chlamydophila felis or Mycoplasma spp — are by far the most common cause. Conjunctivitis due to allergies is rare in cats.

Corneal ulcers. Ulcers are when the outermost layer of the eye, the clear cornea, is damaged. If left untreated, ulcers can become deeper and deeper until the liquid inside the eye ruptures out. Ulcers can be caused by viruses, trauma (something pokes or scratches the eye), or eyelid abnormalities, such as an eyelid that rolls inward, causing the eyelashes to constantly irritate the eye.

Uveitis. This means there is inflammation within the eye, including the colorful iris, structures supporting the iris, or a layer in the back of the eye called the choroid. This can be caused by infectious agents, immune-mediated disease (disease caused by an overactive immune system), cancer, or trauma.

Keratitis. This means there is inflammation in the cornea, or clear front layer of the eye. This can be caused by viruses, immune-mediated disease, or chronic irritation, such as abnormalities of the eyelids or a lack of tears known as “dry eye” (keratoconjunctivitis sicca).

Glaucoma. Glaucoma means there is increased pressure within one or both eyes, which is quite painful. This is almost always secondary to another condition such as uveitis, cancer, trauma, or if the lens (clear round structure that allows focus in vision) has fallen out of place into the front of the eye (called anterior lens luxation).

Types of Eye Drops for Cats

There are several different categories for cat eye drops. Most of them are prescription medications from your veterinarian. Types of eye drops for cats include:

• Antibiotics
• Antivirals
• Lubricating eye drops
• Steroids
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories
• Immunosuppressants
• Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors

If you’re not familiar with some of these terms, here is a more detailed description of each type:

Antibiotics. The bacteria that infect cat eyes are only affected by specific classes of antibiotic that target bacteria found inside of cells. These antibiotic types include fluoroquinolones, tetracyclines, and erythromycin.

Antivirals. These medications target viruses. For cats, veterinarians would choose an antiviral that will target feline herpesvirus-1. Feline calicivirus has no known effective antiviral.

Lubricating eye drops. If a cat has an abnormality in the structure of the eye, like a lack of eyelids (eyelid agenesis) or entropion (eyelid rolls inward and eyelashes touch the eye), these eye drops will help protect the eye and may make a cat more comfortable. Dry eye is when a cat cannot produce enough tears, so these eye drops are crucial to maintaining a cat’s comfort with dry eye. These eye drops are found over the counter.

Steroids. Steroids are not often recommended in cats. While they provide a potent decrease in inflammation, they will make a cat’s eyes worse if they have an eye infection or corneal ulcer. Since infectious causes are the most common cause of cat eye issues, steroids are only recommended for specific conditions caused by the immune system.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories. If a cat’s eyes are swollen and inflamed, these drops will decrease inflammation and make a cat more comfortable. They do not have as much risk as steroids do.

Immunosuppressants. For immune-mediated conditions, immunosuppressants will decrease the immune system and thus decrease inflammation.

Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. In cases of glaucoma, this class of drugs is the treatment of choice. Beta-blockers may be prescribed as well, but their use is limited in cats due to minimal effect on glaucoma and the drugs’ systemic effects.

7 Vet-Recommended Eye Drops for Cats

There are several eye drops that are most effective and useful for a variety of conditions in cats. Here are seven that veterinarians may recommend, depending on your cat’s specific needs:

Ofloxacin Ophthalmic Solution

This is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic eye drop, which is an excellent choice for killing bacteria in a cat’s eyes. This is very frequently used in cat eyes with conjunctivitis and corneal ulcers, and may be prescribed in any other eye condition.

Highlights:

• Highly effective against bacteria that may be involved in a cat’s infection

Things to Consider:

• These drops must be given at least four and possibly up to six times per day

Cidofovir Ophthalmic Solution

This is an antiviral eye drop, which is an excellent choice for killing viruses — specifically, feline herpesvirus-1. While there are many antiviral eye drops on the market that are effective, this eye drop only needs to be applied twice a day instead of four or six times per day. This is frequently used in cats with conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, and keratitis.

Highlights:

• Only applied twice per day

Things to Consider:

• This medication must be compounded, meaning it is formulated from the original raw product into a new product for use in cats; this can result in unreliable strength of the medication and shortened shelf-life

Artificial Tears Solution

This is a lubricating eye drop to keep a cat’s eye moist and comfortable. These are useful if your cat’s eyes are dry or irritated.

Highlights:

• Can be found over the counter or from your veterinarian
• Can be given as often as needed, but is recommended at least three times daily
• No known side effects

Things to Consider:

• This drop does not treat the underlying cause of dryness or irritation
• Ointment lasts longer and may be a better choice for keeping your cat’s eyes lubricated

Dexamethasone Sodium Ophthalmic Solution

This is a steroid eye drop that may be prescribed for specific conditions, such as eosinophilic keratitis, which is inflammation caused by the immune system.

Highlights:

• Potent medication that can improve a cat’s eyes very quickly if used appropriately

Things to Consider:

• If any viral or bacterial infections exist, this drug will lower the immune system and make the eyes worse
• Should not be used in pregnant or lactating animals
• Should be given at least four times per day and in severe cases may be recommended even more frequently

Flurbiprofen Sodium Ophthalmic Solution

This is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) eye drop that can decrease inflammation in the eye, particularly in cases of uveitis. This may also be prescribed for conjunctivitis.

Highlights:

• Treats inflammation and also provides pain relief
• No case reports exist of this particular NSAID causing melting of the cornea, which has been reported for other similar medications
• Provides relief when applied as little as twice per day, but can be applied up to four times per day

Things to Consider:

• Likely stings when first applied
• As for all NSAIDs, caution is needed when applying to cat eyes that have ulceration, as it can delay healing

Cyclosporine Ophthalmic Suspension

This is an immunosuppressive medication prescribed for eye disease that is caused by the immune system (immune-mediated).

Highlights:

• Only applied two to three times per day

Things to Consider:

• Should not be given to cats with infectious causes of eye disease (i.e., viral, bacterial, or fungal causes)
• Can cause reactions in the eye, increased redness, increased tearing_, and irritation to a cat’s eyes
• May take several days to a few weeks before positive effect is noted
• Ointment may last longer in the eye and may be a better choice for fewer applications per day

Dorzolamide Ophthalmic Solution

This is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor. It is used for feline glaucoma first and foremost.

Highlights:

• Most effective drug for feline glaucoma
• Applied three times daily

Things to Consider:

• Likely stings when first applied
• Should not be used in cats with advanced kidney disease
• This drug is often sold along with another medication, timolol, that is not recommended for patients with heart or lung disease
• Can cause allergic reaction in 10 percent or more of patients

How to Use Cat Eye Drops

Before applying cat eye drops, wash your hands with soap and water and prepare your supplies, including:

• Lukewarm moist soft washcloth
• Eye drops
• A fluffy towel or small blanket
• Your cat’s favorite treat

If your cat is on multiple eye medications, each medication must be given at least 5 minutes apart. Drops should be given first, with ointment (if any) given last.

When you are ready to apply eye drops, first wipe away any extra debris from around the eyes with a lukewarm moist washcloth. If you approach your cat face-to-face, they are likely to back away when you attempt to apply eye drops. Instead, place your kitty on your lap so their back faces your stomach. Lift their head upward slightly with one hand with your pointer finger below the eye and your thumb above the eye. Gently spread the eyelids apart — the eye does not need to be completely open, only a few millimeters. Your other hand can then squeeze one drop into the eye.

If you tend to miss the eye, perhaps very gently rest the hand squeezing the drops onto the back of your cat’s head to steady your hand. Apply drops to the other eye if needed, then let go of your kitty. Immediately offer their favorite treat. Repeat in 5 or more minutes if there are additional medications to give.

If your cat is not tolerating medication in this way and attempts to scratch or push your hands away, consider making a “kitty burrito” with a large towel or small blanket. Be sure the towel is wrapped around your cat’s chest, preventing their front limbs from pushing or scratching. Completely cover your cat’s body except the head and hold them firmly but not tightly in your lap. In this case, it may be ideal for someone else to assist you in giving the drops. Be sure to still offer your cat’s favorite treat afterward!

Some eye drops are prescribed four times per day or even more frequently. Figure out a schedule that allows for your sleep — don’t wake up overnight to give drops. Space out the eye drops as much as possible. Ask your veterinarian for help understanding how close together drops can be administered based on your daily schedule.

Can You Use Human Eye Drops on Cats?

Artificial tears solution is an over-the-counter eye drop recommended by veterinarians. Other than that, using human eye drops on cats is dangerous. The dosing of eye medications in humans is typically different from cats. Also, humans and cats are much different sizes from one another, so cats could experience toxic side effects from human-prescribed eye drops.

An eye medication commonly prescribed in people (and dogs) is a combination product of neomycin and polymyxin B along with other medications. These antibiotics are not effective in cats and can cause life-threatening reactions (1). Do not use an antibiotic prescribed to anyone other than your cat!

Precautions When Using Cat Eye Drops

Avoid touching the tip of the medication bottle to your cat’s eyes. This can contaminate the bottle of medication as well as irritate your cat. If your cat experiences a significant increase in redness, puffiness, fur loss around the eyes, or they are rubbing their eyes frequently, these could be signs of intolerance (or an allergic reaction) to the medication. Call your veterinarian right away and hold off on additional doses until you’ve spoken to them.

If you are struggling to get eye drops into your cat, call your veterinarian’s practice for advice. If you are unsure whether the drop got into the eye, it may be best to hold off giving any additional drops until the next dose is due.

References

1. Hume-Smith, Karen M et al. “Anaphylactic events observed within 4 h of ocular application of an antibiotic-containing ophthalmic preparation: 61 cats (1993-2010).” Journal of feline medicine and surgery vol. 13,10 (2011): 744-51. doi:10.1016/j.jfms.2011.06.007