Cataract Definition

• A cataract is an opacity in the eye lens, which blocks light from getting to the retina.
  
  

Causes of Cataracts in Cats

• Cataracts have many causes. They can result from eye trauma, or as a secondary symptom to an eye disease. Cats can also inherit cataracts in rare cases.
  
  

Candidates for Surgery

• Not every cat with a cataract condition is a candidate for surgery. Those animals with injury or inflammation-related cataracts should receive treatment for the cause, instead of treatment for the cataracts themselves. Cats with inherited cataracts or those without underlying causes are the best candidates.
  
  

Method

• Phacoemulsification is the most common method of cataract surgery. It involves putting the cat under general anesthesia. The veterinarian makes a small slit in the cornea of the eye, and then a slit in the lens bag. The surgeon vacuums out the lens material and inserts a lens implant.
  
  

Prognosis

• The lens implant will return most of the animal's vision. The cat usually has a two-week recovery period when he will wear a collar to prevent him from licking or rubbing the eye.