Cats have developed several unique vision features during their evolution that enable them to see clearly indoors and out. Unfortunately, these finely-tuned feline eyes are vulnerable to injury and a wide variety of diseases that can dramatically impair a cat’s eyesight or, in some cases, render a cat partially or totally blind.

Cats are highly attuned to their surroundings, giving the impression that they don’t have bad eyesight or visual problems. However, cats can’t focus clearly on anything that’s under a foot away. Also, some cats will develop eye problems that stop them from being able to see well.

Cats have a lot more rods than we do, which means they can see better in the dark than us, but they have fewer cones, giving them poorer color vision.

The most common cat eye problems are conjunctivitis, keratitis, corneal ulcers, and retinal atrophy. While some diseases will cause discomfort, many others can be managed with treatment. Even with progressive blindness, cats can adapt thanks to their impressive senses of smell and hearing.