Iris Bombe in Cats: Expert Vet Guide 🐱👁️ 2025

By Dr Duncan Houston BVSc, veterinarian & founder of Ask A Vet

Iris bombe is a serious ocular condition in cats wherein the iris adheres in a full 360° circle to either the lens or cornea, leading to fluid buildup, iris bulging, and often secondary glaucoma. Rapid recognition and treatment are essential to preserve vision. 🧠🔍

🔍 What Is Iris Bombe?

Iris bombe arises from complete posterior synechiae—adhesions binding the iris to the lens capsule—blocking aqueous humor flow and causing pressure build-up in the posterior chamber. This forces the peripheral iris to bow forward, closing the drainage angle and triggering glaucoma :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.

🌡️ Causes & Risk Factors

• Anterior uveitis/inflammation—leading cause of adhesions :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
• Trauma—fights, accidents, corneal ulcers :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
• Ocular surgery complications
• Infections (bacterial, viral, fungal) or hyphema
• Age-related changes, and possible congenital predisposition :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
• Underlying systemic diseases (FeLV, FIV) increase uveitis risk :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

🚨 Clinical Signs to Watch For

• Visible iris bulging (“bombe”) and altered pupil shape :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
• Squinting, eye redness, tearing, and discomfort :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
• Corneal changes or ulcers
• Cloudy lens or iris color shifts
• Elevated intraocular pressure = glaucoma :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
• Diminished pupillary light response and potential vision loss :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}

🧪 Diagnosis Steps

• Comprehensive ophthalmic exam, including slit-lamp and pupil check
• Tonometry to measure intraocular pressure :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
• Dye testing for corneal integrity
• Cytology/cultures if infection suspected
• Systemic screening for uveitis causes (e.g. FeLV, FIV) :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}

🛠️ Treatment Options

Medical Management

• Anti-inflammatory eye drops (prednisolone acetate 1%, diclofenac) to reduce uveitis :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
• Atropine/tropicamide drops to dilate pupil and prevent further synechiae :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
• Glaucoma medications (e.g. dorzolamide, timolol) to lower pressure :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
• Systemic NSAIDs or steroids for severe inflammation, if cornea intact
• Antibiotics/antifungals if infection is present

Surgical & Laser Intervention

• Laser iridotomy or surgical synechiolysis to break adhesions and restore fluid flow :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
• Glaucoma surgery (e.g. valve implants) in refractory pressure cases
• Enucleation if the eye is blind or irreversibly painful

Supportive Care

• Pain relief (analgesics like buprenorphine)
• Warm compresses and soothing eye hygiene
• Monitor pressure, pupil response, and corneal clarity regularly

🛡️ Prevention & Monitoring

• Address uveitis or corneal disease promptly
• Protect cats from trauma or ocular injury
• Post-surgery eye care to prevent adhesion
• Regular eye exams to detect early changes
• Isolate or treat infectious causes promptly

📅 Prognosis

• Medical therapy often effective if initiated early
• Surgical intervention improves outcomes in advanced cases :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}
• Glaucoma and vision loss possible if left untreated
• With timely care, many cats retain vision and comfort

🤝 Ask A Vet Telehealth Support

• 📸 Evaluate eye photos and advise urgency of care
• 💬 Guide application of drops and medication schedules
• 📆 Monitor response to therapy and adjust drugs remotely
• 🪛 Help assess surgical need and refer to ophthalmologist
• 🏥 Determine if enucleation or in-hospital care is required

✅ Key Takeaways

• Iris bombe is a serious eye condition caused by 360° synechiae and fluid buildup
• Leads to glaucoma—watch for redness, bulging iris, pain, vision changes
• Diagnose via eye exam and tonometry
• Early medical therapy (inflammation control, pupil dilation) helps most
• Laser or surgical options may be needed if synechiae persist
• Ask A Vet support ensures expert guidance from recognition to resolution

📞 Final Thoughts

Iris bombe is an emergency—left untreated, it can quickly lead to blindness. With prompt anti-inflammatory therapy, dilation, and potentially surgical intervention, many cats recover comfort and vision. Ask A Vet's telehealth empowers owners with timely, expert support every step of the way. 👁️❤️

Have eye photos, pressure readings, or medication questions? Visit AskAVet.com and download the Ask A Vet app for personalized telehealth support anytime!