Most Common Vet Visits: Eye Problems

Eye problems are among the more alarming conditions pet owners encounter — a pet with a red, watery, or swollen eye naturally causes concern, and for good reason. Many eye conditions in dogs and cats can deteriorate quickly, and some require urgent or emergency treatment to preserve vision. Knowing the most common eye conditions, how to recognize them, and when to seek immediate care can make a significant difference in outcomes.

Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the conjunctiva — the pink tissue lining the eyelids and covering the white part of the eye. It is one of the most common eye conditions in both dogs and cats. Causes include bacterial or viral infection, allergies, environmental irritants (dust, smoke, pollen), and secondary effects from other conditions. Signs include redness, discharge (which may be clear, yellow, or greenish), squinting, and rubbing at the eye. In cats, conjunctivitis is frequently associated with feline herpesvirus (FHV-1) or Chlamydophila felis infection.

Corneal Ulcers

Corneal ulcers occur when the outer surface of the eye (the cornea) is damaged, creating a painful wound. They can result from trauma (a scratch from a cat’s claw or vegetation), foreign bodies, dry eye, or infectious agents. Even a minor corneal ulcer is extremely painful and can worsen rapidly if untreated. Signs include intense squinting, tearing, redness, cloudiness of the eye, and rubbing at the face. Corneal ulcers are diagnosed with a fluorescein stain — a dye that highlights damaged areas — and treated with topical antibiotics and supportive medications. Deep or complicated ulcers may require surgical intervention.

Dry Eye (KCS)

Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), commonly known as dry eye, occurs when the tear glands do not produce adequate tears to lubricate the eye. Without proper lubrication, the cornea becomes chronically inflamed, damaged, and uncomfortable. Signs include a dull, hazy appearance to the eye, thick mucoid discharge, and frequent eye infections. Dry eye is a lifelong condition managed with immune-modulating eye drops (cyclosporine or tacrolimus) and artificial tear supplementation.

Cherry Eye and Cataracts

Cherry eye is a prolapse of the third eyelid gland — a structure unique to animals. When this gland prolapses, it appears as a fleshy red mass in the inner corner of the eye, resembling a cherry. It is most common in young dogs of certain breeds. Surgical repositioning — rather than removal — is the recommended treatment, as removing the gland increases the risk of dry eye later in life. Cataracts are opacities within the lens of the eye ranging from small and vision-insignificant to complete and causing total blindness. They occur most commonly in dogs due to genetics, diabetes mellitus, trauma, or aging. Surgical removal by a veterinary ophthalmologist can restore vision in suitable candidates.

Recognizing Urgency and Breed Predispositions

As a rule, any sudden change in your pet’s eye warrants prompt veterinary attention. Signs requiring same-day evaluation include: sudden onset of cloudiness, significant change in pupil size or reactivity, visible trauma, intense squinting with light sensitivity, a visible foreign object, or loss of vision. Glaucoma — elevated pressure within the eye — can cause permanent vision loss within hours and is a true emergency. Brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds including Bulldogs, Pugs, French Bulldogs, Shih Tzus, and Persian cats are at heightened risk for many eye conditions due to their prominent eyes, shallow sockets, and eyelid conformation. If you have a flat-faced breed, regular eye evaluations are an essential part of their preventive care.

At Dunedin Animal Medical Center, our veterinary team is equipped to evaluate and treat a wide range of eye conditions, from routine conjunctivitis to complex corneal and structural problems. Serving Dunedin, FL and the Pinellas County community, we take eye health seriously — because when it comes to your pet’s vision, time matters. Contact us today if you notice any changes in your pet’s eyes. Same-day appointments are often available for urgent concerns.