Eosinophilic Keratitis in Cats

Eosinophilic keratitis is a condition in which the surface of the eye—the cornea—becomes inflamed and infiltrated by a particular type of immune cell called an eosinophil. Over time, this can lead to a characteristic pink, fleshy, or granular appearance on part of the cornea, often starting at the outer edge and spreading inward. The condition is seen almost exclusively in cats and tends to affect one or both eyes. Owners often notice a change in the appearance of the eye itself: a cloudy, pink, or roughened patch on the normally clear surface, sometimes accompanied by mild redness or discharge. The eye may look irritated, and some cats squint or rub at the affected side. Because the cornea is involved, the visual clarity of that eye can be reduced, though many cats continue to navigate well, particularly if only one eye is affected or the change has been gradual. This page explores the signs that may prompt concern, what is understood about the immune process driving the condition, how it is investigated and distinguished from other causes of corneal change, and the range of approaches used to manage it over time.