“Cherry eye” is an eversion of the ocular nictitating membrane (third eyelid) caused by hypertrophy and prolapse of the gland associated with that membrane. The nictitating membrane is a thin sheet of tissue that normally is well-anchored to surrounding eye tissue. When prolapsed, the third eyelid gland becomes visible and appears as a red mass bulging from the inside corner of the cat’s eye.“Cherry eye” is rare in cats. When it does occur, the red
“Cherry eye” is occurs when a gland associated with the cat’s ocular nictitating membrane (sometimes called the third eyelid) prolapses and becomes enlarged and inflamed. The nictitating membrane is a thin sheet of tissue that normally is well-anchored to the surrounding eye tissue. When prolapsed, the gland becomes visible and appears as a red mass bulging from the inside corner of the cat’s eye(s). The condition can look awful but usually can be treated successfully
Cats and dogs both have a nictitating membrane (also called a third eyelid) that normally functions to provide physical protection to the cornea and to produce a significant portion of moisturizing tear film. Prolapse of the gland associated with the third eyelid, commonly called “cherry eye,” is uncommon in cats but when it occurs should be treated as quickly as possible. “Cherry eye” is most commonly diagnosed in the Burmese and Persian feline breeds. The