Anterior Lens Luxation (ALL) in Felines
The lens is the clear structure inside the eye that allows the eye to focus. When the lens becomes unhealthy, it is called a cataract and looks white. The lens normally sits behind the iris (the coloured part of the eye). When the lens comes forward in front of the iris, it is called an anterior lens luxation (ALL).
In cats, ALL is usually associated with pre-existing inflammation in the eye called uveitis.
Consequences of ALL
Fluid that normally keeps the eye round is produced and drained at the same rate. When the lens comes forward it blocks the fluid from leaving, and the eye pressure quickly goes up. This is called glaucoma and can result in vision loss.
The above consequences can occur in cats, but are more typical for dogs.
Clinical signs of anterior lens luxation in cats
Breed predisposition
Any breed may develop anterior lens luxation. Usually cats that have had a chronic low grade uveitis are at greater risk.
Treatment for ALL
Care after Surgery
Keeping quiet is essential after surgery. This includes no playing with toys or other pets. A head collar MUST be worn at all times for the first 7 days.
FOUR visits are required in the first 4 weeks after surgery. As a guide these are DAY 1, DAY 4, DAY 11 and DAY 24 POST SURGERY.
Following this time, we advise ongoing 6-monthly checks to ensure the health of the eye. These are charged out as revisit consultations.
Drops to control infection, pressure and inflammation are given immediately after surgery. Lifelong anti-inflammatory and anti-glaucoma drops are usually required.
Complications of ALL
Even with early intervention, complications do occur. These include:
Vision after surgery
Without a lens, cats can still manage to navigate, but close-up focus (closer than 75 cm) is poor. Without surgery, however, patients tend to go blind and experience pain.
Should you have any questions or concerns please contact us on 03 9545 0103.
The lens is the clear structure inside the eye that allows the eye to focus. When the lens becomes unhealthy, it is called a cataract and looks white. The lens normally sits behind the iris (the coloured part of the eye). When the lens comes forward in front of the iris, it is called an anterior lens luxation (ALL).
In cats, ALL is usually associated with pre-existing inflammation in the eye called uveitis.
Consequences of ALL
Fluid that normally keeps the eye round is produced and drained at the same rate. When the lens comes forward it blocks the fluid from leaving, and the eye pressure quickly goes up. This is called glaucoma and can result in vision loss.
The above consequences can occur in cats, but are more typical for dogs.
Clinical signs of anterior lens luxation in cats
- Blue/white colour change in the eye
- Redness to the white of the eye - mild
- Discharge from the eye – slightly mucky
- Blindness – if there is a white cataract present
Breed predisposition
Any breed may develop anterior lens luxation. Usually cats that have had a chronic low grade uveitis are at greater risk.
Treatment for ALL
- Medical management: Unless pain is severe medical management can be considered initially. Medications to control the inflammation and pressure are used in combination. These will usually be for life. Patients that cannot be managed medically will need surgery to make them more comfortable.
- Surgical removal of the lens is the only way the pressure can be stabilised and vision saved. This surgery requires specialised anaesthesia and surgical equipment. A large incision is made on top of the eye and the lens removed in one piece. The incision is then closed with multiple tiny dissolving sutures. Without surgery, most patients will go blind.
Care after Surgery
Keeping quiet is essential after surgery. This includes no playing with toys or other pets. A head collar MUST be worn at all times for the first 7 days.
FOUR visits are required in the first 4 weeks after surgery. As a guide these are DAY 1, DAY 4, DAY 11 and DAY 24 POST SURGERY.
Following this time, we advise ongoing 6-monthly checks to ensure the health of the eye. These are charged out as revisit consultations.
Drops to control infection, pressure and inflammation are given immediately after surgery. Lifelong anti-inflammatory and anti-glaucoma drops are usually required.
Complications of ALL
Even with early intervention, complications do occur. These include:
- Glaucoma (Elevated eye pressure)
- Uveitis (Inflammation in the eye)
- Hyphaema (Blood inside the eye)
- Retinal Detachment (Blindness)
- Corneal oedema (Cloudiness of the cornea)
Vision after surgery
Without a lens, cats can still manage to navigate, but close-up focus (closer than 75 cm) is poor. Without surgery, however, patients tend to go blind and experience pain.
Should you have any questions or concerns please contact us on 03 9545 0103.
