CORNEAL ULCERS AND EROSIONS

One of the classical eye problems veterinarians must address is THE RED EYE.  The red eye may or may not be obviously painful but when it is the pet can be observed squinting or even rubbing at his/her face.  The conjunctiva, pink moist tissue lining the inner surfaces of the eyelids, becomes an angry red and can even swell or puff up around the eye.  In short, it is clear when the eye suddenly hurts and that veterinary attention is needed.

THE CORNEAL EROSION

There are several causes of acutely red and painful eyes and one of the most common causes is a wound or scrape to the surface of the eye.  The clear surface of the eye is called "the cornea" and because it is the outermost layer of the eye, it is prone to scrapes and tears.  Common causes of corneal erosions include:

• Rough contact with plants, thorns, or bushes
   
• Scratches from another animal (note: the cat scratch wound can be especially serious as the wound quickly heals over, sealing infection within the eye)
   
• Self trauma (rubbing or scratching at a painful ear or even at the eye due to some other eye problem can lead to an inadvertant scratch to the eye)
   
• Chemical irritaion (getting shampoo in the eye during a bath)
   
• Foreign body injury (plant material can get stuck under an eyelid and can scrape the cornea)

A special fluorescent stain is used to confirm the presence of the ulcer or erosion.  Normally, water will run smoothly off the surface of the cornea, like rain washing off a windshield. If the cornea is damaged, the stain will stick to the damaged area and show bright green under a fluorescent lamp.

IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT THE OWNER OBSERVE
THE PROGRESSION OF HEALING AT HOME.
IF THE EYE IS DOING WELL BUT SUDDENLY
BECOMES MORE PAINFUL, IF A DISCHARGE DEVELOPS,
OR IF THE EYE SIMPLY DOES NOT LOOK RIGHT,
HAVE YOUR VET RECHECK THE PET SOONER
THAN THE PLANNED ONE WEEK APPOINTMENT.