Boric or boracic acid, also known as hydrogen borate (H3BO3) among other names is a weak boron acid with various uses including glass and enamel manufacture, making soaps and detergents, agricultural fertilizers, pesticides, as a mild antiseptic, astringents, as pharmaceutical pH buffer, among others.
In its pure natural form, it exists either as a white powder or crystals that are colorless. There are also many other salts of hydrogen borate including borax which has many applications.
Besides the use of boric acid control of fleas, ants, cockroaches, and other insects, it is also used to make eyewash for cats and even human beings.
Eyewashes are ophthalmic solutions intended to rinse eyes in case of contamination by a foreign body as well as easy any irritation or discomfort.
Are boric acid eye drops for cats safe?
Hydrogen borate is known to be toxic if ingested in large amounts. However, if you use any of its EPA-approved products as required (following its provided use instructions and directions), it is safe. We already covered something on the safety of boracic acid to cats and other pets including dogs, cats, hamsters and so on.
Therefore, the liquid boric acid for the cat’s eyes is totally safe if used as directed by the manufactures. This ophthalmic solution will help in irrigating, cleaning, and soothing your feline friend’s eyes in case of foreign objects as well as help easy dry, burning, and irritated eyes as well as deal with minor allergies.
Furthermore, this sterile isotonic solution has antiseptic properties making it ideal in also treating mild bacterial and fungal infections including mild cases of conjunctivitis.
Additionally, besides helping buffer pH, this ophthalmic solution will work as a tonicity-adjusting agent.
However, we do not recommend home-based preparation unless you get a pharmaceutical-grade hydrogen borate and you know how to correctly prepare it. Instead, go for the various OTC hydrogen borate solution as they will be safer.
Before using it, be sure your cat does not have upper respiratory infections as they may for instance cause runny eyes, yet this product may not treat this infection.
Best boric acid eye rinse for cats
If you are interested in them, some of the good brands you should consider buying include the following:
1. Miracle Care Clear Sterile Eye Wash
Do you want to cleanse your pet’s eye without bleaching them, this is the right product for you. It has a soothing formula, will remove any debris without any irritation and it doesn’t sting.
2. Nutri-Vet Eye Rinse Liquid for Cats
Made with a gentle formula, it will help in debris removal, dried mucus or tear stain elimination as well as reduce ocular irritation or discomfort. Apply 2-3 drops or more in case of dust or pollen grain irritation.
Besides cleansing their eyes, it helps in fighting infections with some brands for human use available.
These are just but a few. You will get other great brands in your local or only stores that sell pet products or online on sites such as amazon.com, Chewy.com, PetSmart, eBay, and so on.
Most of them come with a dropper. When using them, follow the provided directions of use.
Possible Side effects of boric acid for cat eyes
It is possible for these ophthalmic solutions to cause some side effects which may be minor or severe.
Some of the minor side effects include watery eyes, mild stinging, blurred vision that will not last for long.
In case of severe redness, eye pain or a severe allergic reaction, you need to immediately talk to your vet.
Finally, it is always a good idea to discuss with your vet before trying this ophthalmic solution or any other in the market.