Sight is vital to all of us, so it is important when our animals have an eye issue that they are examined. Some conditions are very serious and untreated can result in the loss of sight or an eye. Below are some of the more common conditions of the eye and how they usually look:
Foreign body in the eye / lids: the eye is often held closed and appears painful.
Conjunctivitis: discharge from the eye. Left untreated, this can spread to the eye causing it to rupture.
Corneal Ulcer: the outer layer of the eyeball is damaged. Mild cases can be treated with antibiotics however deep ulcers need surgery or they may rupture resulting in loss of the eye.
Trauma: trauma to the eye can result in inflammation inside the eye called uveitis. This needs to be treated aggressively and early, otherwise it can result in permanent damage to the eye.
Blocked Tear Ducts: tears normally drain out via a small hole in the corner of the eye. If this duct becomes blocked tears run out over the eyelid instead.
Lid Diseases: eyelids turning inwards (entropion), or extra eyelashes can cause rubbing, irritation and runny eyes.
Dry Eye: the eye does not produce enough tears and a thick discharge can be found on lower lid. The eye itself can sometimes look cloudy.
Glaucoma: increased pressure inside the eye which can result in blindness. The eye may bulge, look blue and will be painful.
Conditions of the lens: can be either Nuclear sclerosis (an old age change to the lens), or cataracts (opacity in the lens), which can be inherited or related to diabetes.
So, if your pet has an eye that appears painful, is an unusual colour, is weepy, or won’t open please don’t delay in contacting us.
