Feline Glaucoma Study Guide

Overview and Clinical Importance

Glaucoma is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive optic nerve damage and retinal ganglion cell loss, ultimately resulting in irreversible vision loss. In cats, glaucoma is typically an insidious and gradually progressive condition that is often underdiagnosed due to its subtle clinical presentation. Unlike dogs, cats rarely exhibit the acute, painful presentation common in canine glaucoma.

Feline glaucoma accounts for approximately 1 in 367 cats presenting to veterinary teaching hospitals, though prevalence is likely higher due to underdiagnosis. It represents 29% of all feline enucleation submissions to pathology laboratories. Critically, 73% of cats with glaucoma are already blind at the time of initial presentation.

Anatomy and Aqueous Humor Dynamics

Aqueous Humor Production and Outflow

Aqueous humor is produced by the non-pigmented epithelium of the ciliary processes through both active secretion (primarily) and ultrafiltration. It provides nutrition to the avascular lens and cornea and maintains intraocular pressure (IOP) and globe shape.