Anisocoria in Cats: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

PDF download Download Article
What to do if your cat’s pupils are different sizes
PDF download Download Article

Anisocoria is a condition where the pupils of a cat’s eyes are two different sizes. Unequal pupil sizes is a symptom of an underlying condition. This underlying condition must be diagnosed before the vet can treat the anisocoria since the treatment is based on the diagnosis. To treat anisocoria, treat the underlying condition by giving the cat medication or getting the cat surgery.

Things You Should Know

  • Differently sized pupils, changes in the appearance of the eye, and eye pain are all possible symptoms of anisocoria.
  • Take your cat to the vet so your pet can be properly diagnosed and tested.
  • The treatment for anisocoria depends on what's causing it. Medication may be an option in some cases, while other cases might not have any treatment options.
Section 1 of 3:

Recognizing Symptoms of Anisocoria

PDF download Download Article
  1. The most obvious symptom of anisocoria is differently sized pupils. Pupils should both get larger in low light and get smaller in bright light. The affected pupil may be smaller or larger than the normal pupil. [1]
  2. An eye affected with anisocoria may undergo structural changes. The shape or position of the eyelid opening may change. The color of the eye may also be altered. [2]
    • The eye may become bluish or cloudy in color.
    • You may also notice changes in the cat’s vision.
    Advertisement
  3. The cat may show signs of eye pain. The cat may squint and rub at its face, or it may shy away when you try to touch its face. The eye may also become red, irritated, and inflamed. In some cases, the eye may have a discharge or pus. [3]
    • The cat may also become depressed or lethargic.
    4. Advertisement
Section 2 of 3:

Diagnosing Anisocoria

PDF download Download Article
  1. If you notice any of these symptoms in your cat, you should take it to the vet immediately. These symptoms may be connected to a life-threatening condition. Treatment is based on the underlying condition, so the vet will need to figure out what caused the anisocoria. [4]
    • The vet will do a physical exam and ask you about any recent trauma that your cat has undergone. You will need to give them a complete medical history and list of any medications your cat is taking.
    • The vet will try to determine if the problem is due to a problem with the eye or a neurological problem.
    • If they cannot figure out what is wrong, they may send the cat to a ophthalmologist.
  2. The vet may start by checking your cat’s eyes and pupils. They may check the blinking reflexes, how well the cat follows an object, and how sensitive the pupils are to light. The vet may also test the production of tears. [5]
    • The vet may stain the cornea with a dye to look for ulcers, scratches, or trauma.
  3. The vet may try to determine if the problem comes from an issue with the eye or the pupil nerve. To do this, they might do a range of imaging tests, including MRI, ultrasound, CT scans, or x-rays.
    4. Advertisement
Section 3 of 3:

Treating Anisocoria

PDF download Download Article
  1. Some underlying conditions that cause anisocoria are not life threatening. Because of this, it doesn’t require any treatments. For example, if your cat has hypoplasia or iris atrophy, the vet may not recommend any treatments. [6]
  2. For some underlying conditions, antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications will be prescribed by the vet. These drugs will be used to treat cats who develop anisocoria due to bacterial infections and inflammation.
    • Cats who have an underlying condition of glaucoma will be prescribed medication to treat the condition. This should help fix the pupils, too.
    • High blood pressure may also cause unequal pupils. It can be treated with medication, such as ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, or calcium channel blockers.
  3. Some medications can cause problems with the pupils. If your vet determines a medication that your cat is taking has caused the difference in pupil sizes, they will take the cat off the drug. When the medication has gotten out of the cat’s system, the anisocoria should clear up. [7]
  4. If the vet finds cancerous tumors that are related to the unequal pupils, they may operate to remove the tumors. The cat will be put under anesthesia while the vet performs surgery. [8]
    • When removing cancerous tumors, the vet may also have the cat go through radiation or chemotherapy.
  5. Some underlying conditions, like Horner’s Syndrome, cause the cat to have related eye symptoms, like irritation or redness. This can be treated with prescription eye drops to relieve the symptoms. [9]
    6. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Get Rid of Cat Eye Boogers & Discharge
      How to
      Treat Third Eyelid Protrusion in Cats
      How to
      Treat Cat Eye Infection
      Blepharitis in Cats: Diagnosis and Treatment Options
      How to
      Treat Conjunctivitis in Cats
      How to
      Give Your Cat Eye Drops
      How to
      Treat Watery Eyes in Cats
      How to
      Diagnose Feline Cataracts
      Is Your Cat's Eye Bulging? What to Do Next
      How to
      Eliminate Tear Stains on Cats and Dogs
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/anisocoria-in-cats
      2. ↑ https://www.vetinfo.com/anisocoria-in-cats.html
      3. ↑ https://www.vetary.com/cat/condition/unequal-pupil-size
      4. ↑ https://www.vetary.com/cat/condition/unequal-pupil-size
      5. ↑ https://www.vetinfo.com/anisocoria-in-cats.html
      6. ↑ https://www.vetinfo.com/anisocoria-in-cats.html
      7. ↑ https://www.vetary.com/cat/condition/unequal-pupil-size
      8. ↑ https://www.vetary.com/cat/condition/unequal-pupil-size
      9. ↑ https://www.vetary.com/cat/condition/unequal-pupil-size

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      If you think your cat has anisocoria, check its eyes to see if the pupils are different in size and look for any cloudiness or changes in shape, as these are the main symptoms of the condition. Take your cat to the vet for testing so you can be certain of the diagnosis and also rule out any other problems. If your vet prescribes medication, such as antibiotics or eye drops, make sure to administer these following your vet’s instructions. If it helps, set up a schedule so you don’t forget to give the medication regularly. For more advice from our Veterinarian co-author, including what to do if your cat needs surgery to fix anisocoria, keep reading!

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 85,950 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement