Cat Eye Ulcers in Dubai: Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

Understanding Cat Eye Ulcers

What Are Corneal Ulcers in Cats?

The cornea is the clear, protective surface at the front of your cat’s eye. It’s thinner than a grain of rice (less than 1mm), but very strong. This transparent layer allows light to enter whilst protecting the delicate inner structures of the eye. Composed of three distinct layers and packed with sensitive nerve endings, the cornea plays a vital role in your cat’s vision.

Corneal ulcers are essentially open wounds or “craters” on the eye’s surface that develop when the outermost layers of the cornea become damaged or destroyed.

Symptoms of Cat Eye Ulcers

Eye ulcers are very painful because the surface of the eye has lots of nerves. Watch for these warning signs.

Immediate symptoms:

• Excessive tearing or weepy eyes
• Frequent blinking or keeping the eye partially closed
• Bloodshot, inflamed appearance
• A cloudy or hazy patch on the eye’s surface
• Pawing or rubbing at the affected eye
• Visible third eyelid (the pink membrane at the inner corner)

Dubai Weather Alert: During sandstorm seasons (typically March-April and October-November), be particularly vigilant for these symptoms as irritants in the air increase ulcer risk significantly.

Common Causes of Eye Ulcers in Cats

Understanding what triggers these painful conditions helps in both treatment and prevention.

Trauma-related:

• Scratches from fights with other cats
• Foreign objects like sand grains, construction dust, or plant matter
• Accidental injuries from furniture or outdoor hazards

Medical conditions:

• Bacterial or viral conjunctivitis (including Feline Herpes)
• Dry eye syndrome
• Eyelid abnormalities or extra eyelashes

Cats Most at Risk in Dubai

While any cat can develop eye ulcers, certain factors increase vulnerability:

• Outdoor cats exposed to fights and environmental hazards
• Brachycephalic breeds (Persians, British Shorthairs)
• Senior cats with reduced healing capacity
• Cats with existing dry eye conditions

Dubai-specific considerations:

• New arrivals to Dubai may need several weeks to months to adapt to the climate, during which their eyes may be more susceptible to problems.
• Dubai’s frequent sandstorms and dusty conditions can introduce irritants into your cat’s eyes
• Constant exposure to air-conditioned environments can contribute to eye irritation
• High temperatures can cause stress and dehydration, potentially affecting eye moisture
• Dubai’s ongoing development projects create additional airborne particles
• Moving between extremely air-conditioned spaces and hot outdoor temperatures can stress the eyes

Professional Diagnosis and Treatment

How Vets Diagnose Eye Ulcers

Initial examination:

• Comprehensive eye health assessment
• General health check to identify underlying conditions

Specialised tests:

• Fluorescein dye test: A harmless green dye highlights ulcers under blue light
• Ophthalmoscope examination: Detailed corneal and retinal assessment
• Slit lamp examination: Advanced imaging to determine ulcer depth and severity

Treatment Approaches

For simple ulcers:

• Prescription antibiotic eye drops or ointments
• Lubricating artificial tears
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Atropine drops to manage pain and pupil constriction
• Antiviral treatment for herpes-related ulcers

Advanced treatment options:

• Protective contact lenses
• Surgical interventions for non-healing ulcers
• Tissue grafts for severe cases

Home Care: Supporting Your Cat’s Recovery

Successful treatment extends beyond the clinic. Here’s how to care for your cat at home:

• Administer prescribed medications exactly as directed
• Keep protective collars on at all times to prevent rubbing
• Gently clean any discharge with cooled, boiled water and clean cotton pads
• Maintain a clean, dust-free environment

Dubai-specific home care tips:

• Use air purifiers during sandstorm seasons
• Ensure adequate humidity in air-conditioned spaces
• Keep cats indoors during extreme weather events
• Provide fresh water constantly to maintain hydration

Prevention: Protecting Your Cat’s Eyes in Dubai

Caring for your cat’s eyes in Dubai can be tricky because of the environment. Dust, sandstorms, and dry air all play a role, so prevention really comes down to good habits and awareness.

Environmental management
A good air filtration system helps cut down on dust, while keeping humidity between 40–50% prevents eyes from drying out.
During sandstorms, it’s best to set up a safe, dust-free space indoors. If your cat is a breed that tends to get watery eyes or discharge, gentle, regular cleaning makes a big difference.

Health
Routine vet visits aren’t just for emergencies; eye exams can catch problems early. Keeping up with vaccinations also protects against certain infections that may affect the eyes.
If your cat has a history of dry eye, stay on top of treatment. Always watch for redness, squinting, or discharge, which can be early signs of conjunctivitis.

Seasonal precautions
During sandstorm season, keep cats indoors as much as possible. In the hot summer months, hydration and cool, shaded spaces are key. Be mindful that dry air can trigger or worsen eye issues.

When Professional Help Is Essential

Emergency situations:

• Sharp object injuries to the eye
• Sudden blindness
• Eye trauma from fights or accidents
• Chemical exposure

Schedule an urgent appointment:

• Persistent eye discharge
• Squinting lasting more than 24 hours
• Cloudy patches on the cornea
• Recurring eye problems

Dubai Emergency Resources: Modern Vet provides 24/7 emergency services, ensuring your cat receives expert care when needed most.

What to expect

Most simple eye ulcers heal within 7-14 days with appropriate treatment. However, recovery success depends on:

• Early detection and treatment
• Consistent medication administration
• Environmental protection
• Regular follow-up appointments
• Owner compliance with care instructions

Modern Vet is a leading veterinary practice, specialising in comprehensive pet eye care with state-of-the-art ophthalmology equipment and climate-adapted treatment protocols. Our experienced team understands the unique challenges pets face in Dubai’s environment and provides expert care tailored to local conditions.

For emergency eye care or to schedule a consultation, contact Modern Vet immediately if you notice any signs of eye problems in your cat.