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Kitten's eye won't clear up. Is it a genetic defect? Fixable?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Siamese | Female | spayed | 4 months and 13 days old | 6 lbs

This is my foster kitten I am going to adopt. She had a URI a while ago, one of her eyes never fully cleared up despite trying edvery ointment and eye drop available. She got spayed yesterday, and the vet wrote a note about her left eye stating it is a "possible genetic defect, scleral infiltrate encroaching on cornea dorsally." I tried looking this up but couldn't find anything. Is this a birth defect? Can it not be fixed? Can you give me more info on this defect? I attached photos

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4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By David Darvishian

Veterinarian

Published on December 15th, 2017

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear about Cinder. It's very hard to see good detail with these pictures. This can be the effects of a chronic infectious conjunctivitis due to a virus (herpes) or chlamydia, an eyelid abnormality such as entropion, or a congenital disorder like eyelid agenesis or eyelid atresia. I would advise getting a second opinion on this eye or even requesting a referral to a veterinary ophthalmologist. I think it's important to see what the scleral infiltrate is and if it can be treated. Cats with eyelid agenesis will often have scleral infiltrate which can extend down onto the cornea. If herpes is suspected and confirmed, maybe a trial of Famvir (famciclovir) would be indicated or some anti-viral drops. If entropion or an eyelid problem is noted, surgical correction may be indicated. Good luck with Cinder.

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    Answered By Mara Howard, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 2nd, 2017

    Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I’m sorry to hear Frida is having an eye issues. Herpes virus is a lifelong infection in cats, and can cause flare ups throughout their lives. These frequently present with eye or nasal discharge. Other issues, including a scratched cornea, can also present with similar signs. I would recommend she be evaluated by her regular veterinarian to ensure you have the right medications for the eye issue she is having. Good luck!

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    Answered By Lauren Kennedy, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 3rd, 2017

    You can certainly use saline solution to help clear out the eyes. You may also consider getting some artificial tears or GenTeal to keep the eyes moist and clear. You may be able to see if there is a lysine supplement and a human vitamin store to tide you over until you can get some from the vet.

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    Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 9th, 2017

    Hello and thank you for posting your question on pet coach. We commonly see cats with respiratory infections and conjunctivitis can be part of this upper respiratory infection. Many cats develop infections secondary to herpes virus, which is quite common in cats. The unfortunate thing with the herpes virus is that antibiotics do not kill the virus. The antibiotics do however help with secondary infections that are typically seen with the herpes virus. For very severe cases of herpes viral infections, there are antibiotics and antiviral eye drops you can use. I have used idoxuridine eye drops in cats with severe viral infections before and it is a hit or miss if they work or not. If she is worsening and not getting better, you may consider talking you're veterinarian about the alternative options to treat a possible viral infection. There are lysine supplements as well that you can use to lessen the severity of the herpes virus infection. The one we use at our Clinic is called duralactin with lysine. I hope this helps! Please feel free to contact me with any other questions or concerns you may have. I'm also available via phone or text consultation if needed.

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