Feline Eyelid Surgery
Eyelid Surgery For Your Cat
Cats rely on healthy eyelids to protect the surface of the eye from injury and keep the cornea healthy. When an eyelid develops a structural problem, an abnormal eyelash or a growth, even small changes can cause significant discomfort. Because cats often hide pain, these conditions may go unnoticed until the eye becomes visibly irritated.
At View Referrals, our veterinary ophthalmologists diagnose and treat a wide range of feline eyelid conditions, using advanced surgical techniques where appropriate to get rid of any discomfort and protect your cat’s vision.
Why A Prompt Referral Is Important
Many eyelid conditions gradually worsen over time rather than resolving on their own. An eyelid that continually rubs against the surface of the eye can lead to painful ulcers, inflammation and permanent scarring of the cornea.
Early referral allows us to investigate the underlying cause, discuss the most appropriate treatment and intervene before unnecessary discomfort or irreversible damage occurs. We work closely with your regular veterinary surgeon throughout the process, ensuring your cat receives joined-up care from diagnosis through to recovery.
What Could These Symptoms Mean?
Cats are experts at hiding pain, so eyelid problems often become noticeable only when changes to the eye itself begin to appear. If you've noticed any of the following, it may indicate an eyelid condition that requires assessment:
- A lump or swelling on the eyelid
- One eye held partially closed or frequent squinting
- Excessive tearing or recurring eye discharge
- Redness or ongoing irritation around the eye
- Repeated eye infections
- Rubbing or pawing at the face
- Cloudiness caused by irritation to the cornea
- Changes to the eyelid shape or position, such as an eyelid turning inwards (entropion)
Our veterinary ophthalmologists regularly diagnose and treat eyelid tumours, entropion, ectopic cilia, eyelid injuries and other abnormalities affecting the comfort and health of the eye. Although entropion is less common in cats than dogs, it can develop following chronic inflammation, trauma or other eye disease.
Surgical Treatment Tailored To Your Cat
Every cat receives a comprehensive ophthalmic examination before surgery is considered. This allows us to assess not only the eyelids but also the health of the eye itself, ensuring the treatment plan addresses the underlying problem rather than just the symptoms.
Depending on the diagnosis, surgery may involve correcting the position of the eyelid, removing an eyelid tumour while preserving normal eyelid function, or eliminating abnormal hairs that are irritating the cornea. Our objective is always to achieve a comfortable, functional eyelid while protecting the delicate structures of the eye.
Experienced Veterinary Ophthalmology Care
View Referrals was founded by twin brothers Michael and Richard McCallum, whose shared passion for veterinary ophthalmology has led them to dedicate their careers to diagnosing and treating complex eye conditions in dogs, cats and various other small animals. Over the years they have shared their knowledge with other experts in the field and are constantly following new developments to provide their patients with the highest quality care.
With extensive experience in feline ophthalmology and reconstructive eyelid surgery, they work closely with referring vets to deliver advanced eye care focused on preserving comfort, eyelid function and long-term ocular health.
Recovery After Eyelid Surgery
Most feline eyelid procedures are performed under general anaesthetic and are completed as day cases whenever appropriate.
Following surgery, your cat may require eye medication such as drops, pain relief and the temporary use of a protective collar while healing takes place. We will provide detailed aftercare advice and arrange follow-up appointments to monitor recovery and ensure the surgical site is healing well.
Cats generally recover remarkably well from eyelid surgery and, once discomfort has resolved, are often back to their usual routines surprisingly quickly.
Address Your Concerns With A Referral
We’re here to help you understand the treatment options available to you if your cat is suffering with serious eye conditions.
Your veterinary surgeon can refer your cat to View Referrals for assessment, or you can contact us if you would like further advice.
For urgent enquiries, please call 07344 407 630.
Our services include
Cataract Extraction Surgery
Corneal Grafting & Reconstruction
We perform intricate procedures to treat deep corneal ulcers, perforations and other corneal pathology, using techniques such as corneo-conjunctival transposition grafts.
Corrective Eyelid Surgery
Expertise in resolving painful conditions like entropion (in-turning lids), ectropion, and the removal of eyelid tumours or ectopic cilia. We are experts at performing eyelid surgery on cats, dogs, and a variety of other small animals.
Glaucoma Management
Cherry Eye Surgery
Surgical repositioning of the prolapsed gland of the third eyelid to maintain tear production and eye health.
Comprehensive Ophthalmic Assessments
Detailed examinations using slit-lamp biomicroscopy, tonometry (pressure testing), and chromatic Pupillary light tests to assess retinal function.
Many more things
If you pet has an eye problem, then we will be here to help.