Glaucoma in cats causes dangerously elevated eye pressure that destroys the optic nerve. Most have secondary glaucoma from uveitis or intraocular tumors. Pressure-control medications cost $50-$150/month. Primary glaucoma is rare in cats. Intraocular melanoma—the most common intraocular tumor in cats—requires early enucleation to prevent metastasis.
Primary glaucoma is rare in cats. Secondary: uveitis (FIV, FIP, toxoplasmosis, FHV-1, or lymphoma), intraocular melanoma, lens luxation, iris prolapse. Elevated pressure (>25 mmHg) rapidly damages optic nerve and retina. Secondary to uveitis or intraocular tumor
Cats hide pain well—symptoms subtle until severe. Signs: fixed dilated pupil unresponsive to light, corneal cloudiness, enlarged globe (buphthalmos), lethargy, reduced appetite. Red inflamed eyes suggest concurrent uveitis. Blindness may go unnoticed in indoor cats. Dilated unresponsive pupil—first noticed sign
Tonometry (handheld tonometer, $50-$100): Normal IOP in cats 15-25 mmHg; >25 mmHg abnormal; >30 mmHg urgent. Gonioscopy assesses drainage angle. Ocular ultrasound ($150-$300) evaluates intraocular masses. Anterior segment exam for uveitis. Systemic workup: blood panel, FIV/FeLV testing ($100-$200). Tonometry is key diagnostic test
Topical carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (dorzolamide, $30-$60/month), beta-blockers (timolol, $15-$30/month), or prostaglandin analogs (latanoprost—use cautiously in cats). Treat underlying uveitis with corticosteroids or NSAIDs. Intraocular melanoma: enucleation ($800-$1,500) prevents metastasis (~20% of cats). Pain-relieving enucleation for blind eyes: $800-$1,500. $50-$150/month drops or $800-$1,500 enucleation
Medical management: $600-$1,500/year for drops and monitoring. Enucleation: $800-$1,500 one-time. Surgical shunt: $1,500-$3,000.
Vision preservation is difficult once IOP is severely elevated. Goal is often pain control and preventing the second eye from being affected. Secondary glaucoma prognosis depends on underlying cause.
Annual IOP measurement for at-risk breeds (Siamese, Burmese). Monitor both eyes — second eye involvement in primary glaucoma is common. Regular fundic exams detect early optic nerve damage.
02/04
Diagnosis + first year of medical management.
Glaucoma is covered by most accident and illness policies as an illness. Coverage includes tonometry, diagnostics, medications, and surgery (enucleation if medically indicated). If uveitis is underlying cause, both conditions covered. Enucleation to prevent melanoma metastasis is medically necessary and typically covered.
Any documented uveitis, eye inflammation, or chronic eye issues before enrollment means secondary glaucoma may be denied as pre-existing. FIV-positive cats are higher uveitis risk—documented positive FIV status plus later glaucoma creates grounds for denial.
Glaucoma requires lifelong management—monthly drops, regular pressure checks, periodic ophthalmology visits. Some policies have lifetime or annual per-condition limits capping coverage for ongoing chronic conditions. Verify no per-condition cap cuts off coverage after first year.
When glaucoma is caused by intraocular melanoma, it becomes a cancer claim. Most cover cancer treatment including enucleation. However, cancer-specific waiting periods (up to 30 days) and cancer sub-limits may apply. Confirm cancer coverage before melanoma diagnosis.
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