Feline Ophthalmology Series

June 11, 2026

Part Two: Feline Cherry Eye

Susan Cook Henry

A cat’s eye is special in many ways, one being the nictitating membrane (commonly called the third eyelid or haw), which offers additional protection to the corneal surface and is responsible for producing 30% of the tear film for the eye.¹ A “cherry eye” occurs when that third eyelid’s tear gland is prolapsed: it has slipped and exposes the gland which then becomes swollen and quite obvious as a pink mass of tissue at the inside corner of a cat’s eye. Though more common in dogs, this condition – though not contagious – has a hereditary component and occurs more often in brachycephalic breeds with shorter noses and larger eyes. The third eyelid is attached to the inside of the eye by fibers which, when weakened, can allow the tear gland to protrude. There are other issues which can cause a similar appearance, such as “the cartilage rolling out, or third eyelid mass that could look similar in appearance to cherry eye.”¹

Diagnosing Cherry Eye and Repair

Getting a proper diagnosis from a veterinarian or veterinary ophthalmologist is very important if you notice symptoms described above and realize your cat is in discomfort by rubbing its eye, and you see a protrusion of tissue at the corner of the eye. A thorough ocular exam is necessary to rule out other potential causes, and two tests will likely be performed:

• Tonometry: This is a diagnostic test that involves checking the pressure of the eye. Your veterinarian will usually apply an eye drop to numb the surface of the eye and then a small pen is gently tapped against the surface to measure the pressure inside the eye.
• Schirmer’s test: This is a test that helps determine if your cat has developed dry eye secondary to the cherry eye. The test involves your veterinarian placing a small test strip of paper in the eye and measuring the tear production in each eye over the course of a minute.¹

Repairing a cherry eye requires surgical intervention, as the exposed tear gland must be put back into its proper place and anchored with fine sutures. Timing is important, as the sooner this is done the more likely it will help ensure the proper function of the gland and allow normal tearing to resume. One surgical technique involves “creating a pocket in the conjunctival tissues to place the tear gland inside and sew the pocket closed to keep the third eyelid in place.”¹ Another procedure would be to create a pocket and tack the gland ventrally below the eye, keeping it in place with a single suture.

Recovery

Careful monitoring of your cat for at least a week after this surgery is necessary to avoid further damage to the surgical site. Some swelling is likely after surgery, so an Elizabethan collar is usually required to keep eager paws away from the eye. Your veterinarian may prescribe eye medications or encourage lubricating artificial tears as the tear gland returns to normal function.

Cherry eye is not a condition that will heal by itself, and if surgical treatment is not performed, the eye may become chronically dry with the source of natural tears compromised – a condition known as Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (KCS): “Dry eye requires lifelong medical care. With diligent attention and monitoring, many cats can enjoy a pain-free, visual life”², and will more likely avoid potential complications like corneal ulcers, scarring, and blindness.

 

 

References:

1. Christina Hawkins, DVM. “Cherry Eye in Cats,” PetMD; published April 2022; accessed March 2026. https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/eyes/c_ct_prolapsed_gland
2. Courtney Barnes, BSc, DVM; Tammy Hunter, DVM; Robin Downing DVM, CVPP, CCRP, DAAPM; Ernest Ward, DVM. “Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (KCS) or Dry Eye in Cats.”d., accessed March 2026. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/keratoconjunctivitis-sicca-kcs-or-dry-eye-in-cats#: