🔍 Understanding Synechiae

Synechiae are abnormal adhesions between the iris and adjacent eye structures. Two types exist in cats:

• Anterior synechia: iris sticking to the cornea.
• Posterior synechia: iris adhering to the lens capsule.

These adhesions disrupt normal pupil movement, impairing vision and raising intraocular pressure 🔍.

1. Causes & Risk Factors

• 🦠 Uveitis: inflammation of iris/ciliary body most common cause.
• ⚠️ Trauma: blunt injury or cat scratches near eye.
• 🦠 Infection: FIV, FeLV, toxoplasmosis, fungal pathogens.
• 💊 Intraocular hemorrhage: predisposes to synechia formation.
• ☀️ Lens luxation or cataract surgery complication.

2. Clinical Signs & Diagnosis

• 🌫️ Small, irregular pupil or iris stuck to lens/cornea.
• 👁️ Constricted pupil that doesn’t respond to light.
• 😿 Signs of uveitis: pain, redness, tearing, squinting.
• 🔬 Detected with slit lamp examination by a veterinary ophthalmologist.
• 📈 Tonometry may show raised intraocular pressure if aqueous flow is blocked.

3. Diagnostic Approach

1. 🩺 Full eye exam: pupil size, symmetry, iris structure.
2. 📏 Measure intraocular pressure (IOP).
3. 💉 Blood tests: rule out infectious/immune causes (e.g. FIV, FeLV, toxo).
4. 🩻 Advanced imaging (ultrasound, OCT) if lens or posterior segment affected.
5. 🩻 Referral for specialist exam and gonioscopy for drainage angle health.

4. Treatment Strategies

a. Medical Management

• 💊 Intensive anti‑inflammatories: topical steroids or NSAIDS.
• 💊 Cycloplegic agents (atropine) to dilate pupil and prevent adhesion.
• 🛡️ Manage underlying cause: antibacterials, antifungals or antivirals for infections.
• 💉 Control systemic disease (e.g. hypertension) contributing to ocular inflammation.

b. Surgical Intervention

• ⚙️ Mechanical synechiotomy: break adhesions with surgical tools or laser.
• 🌿 Use viscoelastic agents during cataract surgery to reduce recurrence.
• ⚠️ In advanced cases, lens removal or glaucoma surgery may be needed.

c. Supportive Care & Monitoring

• 💧 Lubricating drops to reduce irritation.
• 🍃 NSAIDs or pain relief for comfort.
• ⚡ Frequent IOP checks to catch secondary glaucoma early.

5. Prognosis & Long-Term Outlook

• ✅ Excellent if treated early—restores pupil function.
• ⚠️ Guarded if secondary glaucoma or iris atrophy occurs.
• 🔄 Requires ongoing care and frequent eye exams by an ophthalmologist.

6. Prevention Tips

• 🛡️ Promptly treat any eye inflammation to prevent synechiae.
• 🚑 Avoid trauma: supervise outdoor access, trim shrub tips.
• 🔍 Routine eye checks in cats with chronic uveitis or systemic conditions.

7. Ask A Vet Remote Support 🐾📲

• 📸 Upload high-resolution photos to monitor pupil shape and redness.
• 🔔 Receive medication reminders (drops and systemic meds).
• 🧭 Advice on when to seek in‑clinic re‑checks for pressure spikes or vision loss.
• 📊 Track irritation, pupil movement and eye comfort over time.

8. FAQs

Can synechiae come back after treatment?

Yes, especially if underlying uveitis isn't controlled—ongoing anti‑inflammatory drops are essential.

Will my cat lose vision?

Early treatment preserves vision—but if glaucoma or lens damage occurs, vision may be compromised.

Is surgery risky?

Synechiotomy has risks like inflammation or bleeding—but benefits outweigh them if performed early by a specialist.

Can I check at home?

Owners can’t rule out synechiae by themselves—only changes noticed in vision or pupil size should prompt clinic visits or Ask A Vet consults.

Conclusion

Synechiae in cats are treatable adhesions between the iris and neighboring eye structures that threaten vision and intraocular health. With prompt ophthalmic intervention—medical and potentially surgical—most cats recover well. Long-term monitoring and inflammation control are essential. Using tools like Ask A Vet for remote photo monitoring, guided medication, and re‑check planning ensures tailored follow‑through through 2025 and beyond 🐱❤️📲.

If you notice abnormal pupil shape, redness or vision change in your cat’s eye, seek veterinary assessment promptly—then follow up via Ask A Vet for expert remote care and monitoring.