Eye Health Matters: Common Problems Pets Face

Pet owners are often caught off guard when their pet develops a red, irritated, or swollen eye without warning. Eye problems can appear suddenly due to injuries, infections, or pressure changes, leaving families unsure of the severity.

At Santa Monica Veterinary Group in Santa Monica, CA, our veterinarians treat a wide range of eye conditions and emphasize the importance of seeking care quickly when changes are noticed.

Understanding Common Eye Problems in Pets

Conjunctivitis

What is Conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis affects the thin membrane covering the eye and inner eyelids, causing inflammation that can range from mild irritation to severe discomfort. Unlike the simple “pink eye” many people remember from childhood, conjunctivitis in dogs and cats may result from bacterial or viral infections, allergies, foreign objects, or underlying conditions like dry eye.

Environmental allergens play a significant role, especially in coastal areas where pets encounter salt air, pollen, and dust. The condition can affect one or both eyes and often signals deeper issues that require professional evaluation.

Symptoms and Treatment

Common signs include redness, watery or thick discharge, squinting, and pawing. Clear discharge often indicates allergies or viral causes, while yellow or green discharge suggests a bacterial infection.

Treatment depends on the cause. Bacterial conjunctivitis requires antibiotic drops or ointments, while allergic conjunctivitis is managed with antihistamines and environmental control. Avoid over-the-counter human eye drops, which can worsen the condition.

Dry Eye

Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), or dry eye, occurs when the tear glands fail to produce enough moisture to keep the cornea lubricated and healthy. Pets with KCS often develop redness, mucous discharge, squinting, and discomfort due to that dryness. Over time, the chronic lack of tear protection can cause corneal scarring, pigmentation, and even vision loss. Treatment generally involves lifelong use of medications that stimulate tear production and artificial tear supplements to protect the eye.

Corneal Ulcers: A Painful Predicament

Causes and Symptoms

Corneal ulcers occur when the clear surface of the eye is scratched, torn, or infected. Causes include scratches from other pets, brush or debris, foreign objects like grass seeds, or complications from untreated dry eye. Breeds with prominent eyes face higher risks.

Symptoms include excessive tearing, light sensitivity, squinting, pawing, cloudiness, or a visible defect on the eye surface.

Treatment Options

Ulcers require prompt care to prevent infection and vision loss. Treatment often includes antibiotic drops, pain relief, and protective collars. Deep ulcers may need surgery or specialized therapies.

Cherry Eye

Cherry eye in dogs occurs when the tear gland in the third eyelid prolapses and becomes visible as a red, swollen mass in the corner of the eye. Although it may not be painful at first, this condition often leads to chronic irritation, excessive tearing, and eventually dry eye if left untreated. Surgical correction is usually recommended to reposition and preserve the tear gland.

Cataracts and Vision Loss in Pets

Cataracts vs. Nuclear Sclerosis

Not all cloudy eyes are cataracts. The difference between cataracts and nuclear sclerosis is important. Nuclear sclerosis is a normal aging change that creates a bluish haze with minimal impact on vision, while cataracts appear white and opaque, blocking light and potentially leading to blindness.

Cataracts can develop at any age due to genetics, diabetes, injuries, or other conditions. Diabetic pets are at particularly high risk for rapid cataract formation.

Treatment and Management

Medications cannot reverse cataracts, but surgery performed by veterinary ophthalmologists can restore vision in suitable candidates. Some pets are not surgical candidates due to age, health, or concurrent eye disease. For non-surgical pets, environmental modifications such as consistent furniture placement and verbal cues help them navigate safely.

Entropion

Entropion is an eyelid abnormality where the eyelid rolls inward, causing eyelashes or facial hair to rub against the cornea. This constant friction results in irritation, tearing, and sometimes corneal ulcers. The condition is often inherited and seen in breeds such as Shar-Peis and Bulldogs. Surgery is typically needed to correct the eyelid position and protect long-term eye health.

Glaucoma: The Silent Thief of Sight

Understanding Glaucoma in Pets

Glaucoma occurs when fluid pressure inside the eye rises, damaging the optic nerve and retina. There are two main types: acute (sudden) and chronic (gradual). Primary glaucoma stems from inherited anatomical issues, while secondary glaucoma results from other eye problems such as inflammation or lens displacement.

Signs and Urgent Care Needs

Early signs can be subtle. As pressure increases, pets may show pain, redness, enlarged pupils, cloudiness, or eye enlargement. Acute glaucoma is an emergency because vision loss can occur within hours. For urgent concerns, contact our urgent care services.

Lens Dislocation (Lens Luxation)

When the lens shifts out of its normal position, vision is immediately at risk. Lens dislocation in small animals may occur due to inherited weakness, trauma, or chronic eye disease. If the lens moves into the front chamber of the eye, it can block fluid drainage and cause acute glaucoma, which is a true emergency. Sudden pain, a cloudy cornea, or a misshapen pupil are key warning signs that require immediate veterinary care.

Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration Syndrome (SARDS)

Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration Syndrome (SARDS) is a devastating condition that causes rapid and irreversible blindness in dogs. It usually develops within days to weeks and often occurs in middle-aged or older pets. The exact cause is unknown, though hormonal or immune system factors may play a role. Because affected dogs may still have eyes that appear outwardly normal, diagnosis requires a veterinary ophthalmology exam.

Recognizing Eye Emergencies

When to Seek Immediate Veterinary Care

Signs of Eye Pain or Distress

Recognizing signs of eye pain in pets can be challenging since animals often hide discomfort. Look for squinting, excessive blinking, pawing, head tilting, light sensitivity, and behavior changes like decreased appetite or activity. Physical signs include redness, swelling, discharge, cloudiness, changes in eye size or shape, or the third eyelid covering part of the eye.

Emergency Situations

Several conditions require immediate care. Ocular emergencies in dogs and cats include sudden blindness, eye trauma, lens dislocation, acute glaucoma, and deep corneal ulcers. Any obvious pain, sudden vision changes, or eye injury should be treated as urgent. Assuming minor irritation will resolve on its own can delay treatment and worsen outcomes. Using human eye drops is unsafe, as ingredients may be toxic or inappropriate for pets.

Special Considerations for Dogs and Cats

Breed-Specific Eye Conditions

Hereditary Eye Diseases in Dogs

Some breeds are predisposed to genetic eye conditions. Hereditary eye disease in dogs affects breeds such as Collies (Collie eye anomaly), Golden Retrievers (progressive retinal atrophy), and Cocker Spaniels (glaucoma). Flat-faced breeds like Bulldogs and Pugs are prone to corneal injuries and dry eye due to their facial structure.

Responsible breeding includes eye exams and genetic testing to reduce inherited conditions.

Conditions Unique to Cats

Cats face specific issues including feline vision problems such as retinal diseases and hypertension-related damage. High blood pressure can cause sudden retinal detachment and blindness, so regular blood pressure monitoring is important for senior cats. Cats also develop inflammatory eye conditions that require different treatments than dogs.

Managing Chronic Eye Conditions

Long-Term Care Strategies

Chronic eye diseases need ongoing monitoring and adjustments. Regular exams help detect changes early and tailor treatment. Some pets benefit from integrative approaches, including Traditional Chinese Medicine techniques offered at Santa Monica Veterinary Group, to support eye health and reduce inflammation.

Consistency with medications, environmental modifications, and owner education are key to successful long-term management.

Preventative Eye Care

Routine Checks and Early Detection

The Role of Regular Veterinary Visits

Comprehensive eye exams during wellness visits enable early detection before problems become painful or vision-threatening. Santa Monica Veterinary Group services include thorough eye evaluations, with equipment to assess eye pressure, tear production, and internal eye structures.

Why Ongoing Care Matters

A veterinary team familiar with your pet’s history can diagnose faster and treat more effectively. Knowing your pet’s normal appearance and behavior helps identify subtle changes early, which is crucial during emergencies when quick decisions are needed.

Taking Action for Your Pet’s Vision

Eye problems in pets can progress rapidly from minor irritation to serious, vision-threatening conditions. When you notice squinting, discharge, redness, or pain, seek immediate veterinary evaluation to prevent complications and preserve sight and comfort.

Santa Monica Veterinary Group provides comprehensive eye examinations and urgent care services for routine and emergency conditions. If your pet shows any signs of eye discomfort or changes in vision, contact Santa Monica Veterinary Group at (310) 477-4400. You can also request an appointment online. Our team is ready to provide the expert care your pet needs to maintain healthy vision throughout their life.