Feline Cataracts Study Guide

Overview and Clinical Importance

Cataracts are opacifications of the crystalline lens that impede light transmission to the retina. While cataracts are relatively uncommon in cats compared to dogs, they represent clinically significant pathology because they are most often secondary to underlying systemic disease, particularly chronic anterior uveitis. Understanding the unique etiology, diagnosis, and management of feline cataracts is essential for NAVLE success.

Unlike dogs where inherited and diabetic cataracts predominate, feline cataracts are predominantly acquired and secondary to intraocular inflammation. This distinction has important implications for diagnostic workup and prognosis.

Anatomy of the Feline Lens

The lens is a transparent, biconvex structure located posterior to the iris and anterior to the vitreous body. It is composed of approximately 60% protein and 40% water. The lens is enclosed within a lens capsule and held in position by zonular fibers (suspensory ligaments) attached to the ciliary body.