Feline herpesvirus eye disease causes painful corneal ulceration that recurs throughout a cat's life and requires proactive management to prevent vision loss.
Cats experiencing FHV corneal reactivation suffer eye pain equivalent to a human corneal abrasion - intensely uncomfortable with constant squinting, tearing, and photophobia. Sequestrum formation creates a necrotic corneal plaque requiring surgical keratectomy for resolution. Identifying stress triggers that provoke reactivation - new pets, household changes, veterinary visits - and minimizing them reduces reactivation frequency. Topical antivirals during active episodes reduce viral shedding and promote corneal healing.