Eye Problems in Pets: Conjunctivitis, Cataracts, and More
Eye problems in dogs and cats range from mild conjunctivitis to serious conditions like glaucoma. Learn to recognize the warning signs early.
Eye problems are among the most common reasons pet owners visit the vet. From mild conjunctivitis to serious conditions like glaucoma and cataracts, eye issues can affect pets of all ages and breeds. In Macau's humid climate, eye infections are particularly common. Early recognition and treatment can save your pet's vision.
- Eye problems are one of the top 10 reasons pets visit the vet
- Conjunctivitis (pink eye) is the most common eye condition in pets
- Corneal ulcers are painful and require immediate treatment
- Glaucoma is a sight-threatening emergency in both dogs and cats
- Cataracts cause lens opacity and may lead to blindness
- Many eye conditions can be managed if caught early
Common Eye Problems in Dogs
Dogs commonly suffer from conjunctivitis (red, inflamed eyes with discharge), dry eye or KCS (insufficient tear production causing thick discharge), corneal ulcers (painful scratches on the eye surface often from trauma), glaucoma (increased eye pressure causing pain and blindness), and cataracts (cloudy lenses, especially common in older dogs and diabetic dogs). Brachycephalic breeds like Pugs and French Bulldogs are prone to eye problems due to their shallow eye sockets.
Common Eye Problems in Cats
Cats often present with conjunctivitis caused by feline herpesvirus (FHV-1), especially during periods of stress. Corneal sequestrum (a dark dead piece of cornea, common in Persian and Himalayan cats), glaucoma, and high blood pressure-related eye issues (retinal detachment or bleeding from kidney disease or hyperthyroidism) are also frequent. Upper respiratory infections in cats frequently cause eye symptoms such as squinting and discharge.
When It's an Emergency
Some eye problems require immediate veterinary attention: sudden blindness or bumping into things, a visibly cloudy or differently coloured eye, pawing at the eye or squinting (signs of pain), green or yellow discharge, a bulging eye or visible injury to the eye surface, and bleeding inside the eye. Glaucoma can cause irreversible vision loss within 24-48 hours, so prompt treatment is critical.
Prevention and Home Care
Regularly wipe away discharge with a damp soft cloth, keeping the area around the eyes clean. Trim long facial hair that may irritate the eyes. Protect your pet's eyes during car rides (head out the window can cause debris injuries). For pets prone to dry eye, daily eye drops as prescribed by your vet can maintain tear production. Never use human eye drops on your pet without veterinary approval.
- Your pet is squinting or keeping one eye closed
- Redness or swelling around the eye
- Cloudy or discoloured cornea
- Excessive tearing or thick discharge
- Pawing at the face or eye
- Sudden vision loss or bumping into objects
At RVC, our veterinary team can diagnose and treat a wide range of eye conditions. We have ophthalmology equipment including a slit lamp for detailed eye examinations, tonometry for measuring eye pressure, fluorescein staining for detecting corneal ulcers, and a ophthalmoscope for examining the back of the eye. We treat infections, manage glaucoma, perform eye surgery, and provide ongoing care for chronic eye conditions. Call +853 6677 6611 for an eye examination.
+853 6677 6611