A cat scratch to the eye, even if accidental, demands careful attention. While many cat scratches are minor and affect only the skin, the delicate structures of the eye require prompt evaluation and appropriate management to preserve vision and prevent potential complications.
Immediate Effects of a Cat Scratch
A cat scratch to the eye causes immediate symptoms. Individuals typically experience sharp pain, a gritty or foreign body sensation, and increased tearing. The eye may appear red and swollen, and there might be an uncontrollable urge to squint or blink rapidly. Sensitivity to light, known as photophobia, is also common, and vision can become temporarily blurry. The scratch can vary in severity, ranging from a superficial abrasion on the cornea to a deeper laceration.
Urgent Care and Medical Attention
If a cat scratches your eye, gently flush it with clean water or sterile saline solution. Avoid rubbing the eye, as this can worsen the injury or embed foreign particles. Do not use over-the-counter redness-relieving eye drops; they are not designed for open wounds and may cause further irritation.
Seek prompt medical attention if you experience persistent pain, significant vision changes, or if the foreign body sensation does not resolve. Increased redness, swelling, or discharge from the eye also signals the need for professional evaluation. Even seemingly minor cat eye injuries should be examined by a healthcare provider or ophthalmologist to assess the extent of the damage and prevent complications.
Potential Health Risks
Cat claws harbor bacteria, posing an infection risk if they break the eye’s surface. A notable concern is Bartonella henselae, which causes Cat Scratch Disease (CSD). Common in cats (especially kittens), it transmits through scratches contaminated with flea feces or direct contact. Ocular CSD can include Parinaud oculoglandular syndrome, characterized by conjunctivitis and swollen lymph nodes near the ear.
More severe Bartonella henselae complications include neuroretinitis, an optic nerve and retina inflammation that may lead to blurred vision or vision loss. Other issues include uveitis (inflammation inside the eye) and endophthalmitis (a serious internal eye infection).
Pasteurella multocida, another bacterium common in cat mouths and claws, can also cause infections. Untreated corneal abrasions can progress to corneal ulcers, deeper open sores that can result in scarring or permanent vision impairment. Less common, fungal infections are also possible after an eye injury. Timely medical intervention mitigates most of these risks.
Healing and Outlook
Healing from a cat eye scratch depends on its depth and promptness of care. Superficial corneal abrasions typically heal quickly, often within three to five days. During recovery, prescribed antibiotic eye drops prevent bacterial infections, and pain-relieving drops may be given. Avoid wearing contact lenses until the eye has fully healed.
For most superficial scratches, the long-term outlook is positive, with full recovery without lasting vision impairment, especially with proper medical care. Deeper lacerations or complications like corneal ulcers may require more extensive treatment and a longer healing period, potentially weeks. Attend all follow-up appointments and report any persistent or worsening symptoms, such as increased pain or discharge, as these could indicate a complication or delayed healing.