Eye Issues

Eye problems in pets can progress rapidly, and what starts as mild redness or squinting in the morning can become a serious, vision-threatening condition by evening. Whether your pet has been poked in the eye, developed sudden discharge, or you’ve noticed a cloudy or bulging eye, prompt evaluation is essential to protect your pet’s vision. At Ruby Veterinary Urgent Care in Johns Creek, our ER-trained veterinarians perform comprehensive eye examinations and can diagnose and treat most urgent eye conditions the same day.

Eye issues are a leading cause of urgent care visits. Cases we see include:

• Corneal ulcers are scratches or wounds on the surface of the eye, often caused by trauma, foreign material, or dry eye. They are painful and can worsen rapidly if untreated.
• Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the tissue lining the eyelids, causing redness, swelling, and discharge. It can be caused by allergies, infections, or irritants.
• Glaucoma is a buildup of pressure inside the eye that can cause pain, redness, cloudiness, and permanent vision loss if not treated promptly.
• Uveitis is inflammation inside the eye that can result from infection, immune-mediated disease, or trauma. It requires prompt treatment to prevent complications.
• Proptosis or eye out of socket occurs when the eyeball is displaced forward, usually from trauma. This is a true emergency.
• Cherry eye is a prolapse of the third eyelid gland, appearing as a red, round mass in the corner of the eye.
• Dry eye, known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca, occurs when the tear glands don’t produce enough tears, leading to chronic irritation and infection.

Eye problems should be evaluated promptly because they can deteriorate quickly. You should seek care if your pet is:

• Squinting or holding one eye closed
• There is discharge from the eye (clear, yellow, green, or bloody)
• The eye appears red or bloodshot
• There is visible swelling of the eye or eyelids
• The eye appears cloudy, blue, or has changed color
• Your pet is pawing at or rubbing their face and eye
• One eye appears larger or more prominent than the other
• There are visible changes in pupil size between the two eyes
• Your pet seems to have sudden vision loss or is bumping into things
• The eye has been injured or is partially or fully out of the socket

A comprehensive eye exam includes several specialized tests that my be recommended by our veterinarian. A fluorescein stain is applied to the surface of the eye to detect corneal ulcers, which glow bright green under a special light. A Schirmer tear test measures tear production to diagnose dry eye. Tonometry measures the pressure inside the eye to check for glaucoma. A thorough examination of the external and internal structures of the eye using magnification and a light source assesses the eyelids, conjunctiva, cornea, lens, and back of the eye.

Our veterinarian will propose treatment that is tailored to the specific condition. Corneal ulcers are treated with topical antibiotic drops, pain management, and an Elizabethan collar to prevent rubbing. Conjunctivitis treatment depends on the cause and may include antibiotic or anti-inflammatory eye drops. Glaucoma requires medications to lower eye pressure, with referral to a veterinary ophthalmologist for ongoing management. Proptosis requires immediate anesthesia and surgical replacement of the eye, or removal if the eye cannot be saved.

Eye examinations at Ruby typically take 45 to 60 minutes. The testing is generally well-tolerated by pets, and most eye conditions can be diagnosed and treatment initiated during a single visit. You’ll leave with medications, an Elizabethan collar if needed, and clear instructions for at-home care. Recheck exams with your primary veterinarian are typically recommended within 3 to 7 days for corneal ulcers.

Recovery varies by condition. Simple corneal ulcers typically heal within 5 to 7 days with appropriate treatment. Conjunctivitis often improves within a few days of starting medication. Glaucoma and uveitis may require ongoing treatment and monitoring. It is critical to administer all eye medications as prescribed and to keep the Elizabethan collar on your pet to prevent rubbing, which can dramatically worsen eye injuries.

Recheck exams with your primary veterinarian are essential for corneal ulcers, as incomplete healing or worsening of the ulcer requires a change in treatment.