When a pet is suffering from eye discomfort or is having difficulty seeing, most pet owners take notice right away. The symptoms are usually apparent, which allows an owner to quickly notice the issue and schedule an exam. Most common eye problems are either hereditary or caused by trauma, and when given proper veterinary care, heal well.

Symptoms of eye problems in pets:

• Clumsiness
• Difficulty finding food and water bowls or other common items
• Enlarged eyeballs or swelling around the eye socket
• Eye discharge or crusty build-up around eyes
• Eye glow happening more frequently, even in well-lit situations
• Hesitation when entering dark rooms or unfamiliar areas
• Increased instances of pupil dilation
• Lethargy
• Pawing at eyes
• Redness
• Watery eyes

Common eye diseases

• Cataracts – The gradual clouding of a pet’s lenses. Cataracts are usually genetic and do not begin occurring until a pet is elderlythere are exceptions. Surgical removal is the best form of treatment.
• Cherry eye – The loosening of a dog’s second eyelid tissue-membrane that causes it to prolapse, creating a swollen red mass in tcorner of the eye. If left untreated, cherry eye can cause chronic dry eye which can lead to more serious problems.
• Chronic conjunctivitis – Similar to conjunctivitis (Pink Eye) in humans. Pets experience puffy, red, itchy eyes and sensitivity to loccurs most commonly in large breeds because of their sizeable eye sockets.
• Chronic superficial keratitis – Scar tissue and blood vessels enter cornea, leaving the affected areas black in color. When not taken keratitis can eventually cause permanent blindness.