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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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1 Answer

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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