06/03/2026
🐱👁️ Anterior Segment Dysgenesis (ASD) in Cats
A rare congenital eye condition that affects how the front part of the eye develops.
At VEI Upland, we occasionally diagnose conditions that animals are born with—and Anterior Segment Dysgenesis is one of them.
The anterior segment includes important structures at the front of the eye such as the cornea, iris, lens, and drainage angle. When these structures do not form normally before birth, cats can develop changes that may affect vision and eye comfort.
🔎 Signs owners may notice:
• Cloudy or blue appearance to the eye
• Misshapen or irregular pupil
• Visible changes in iris color or shape
• Squinting or eye discomfort
• Vision changes
• Enlarged eye if secondary glaucoma develops
🐾 Why early evaluation matters:
Some cats with ASD remain comfortable with minimal vision impact, while others may develop complications like glaucoma or corneal disease that require ongoing monitoring and treatment.
💡 Fun Eye Fact:
Because ASD develops before birth, many affected cats adapt incredibly well and may not realize their vision is different!
If your cat’s eyes have looked unusual since kittenhood—or you’ve noticed changes over time—an ophthalmic exam can help determine the cause.