You should seek the advice of your veterinarian if your pet is ill as only he or she can correctly advise on the diagnosis and recommend the treatment that is most appropriate for your pet.

Even though animals have good defence mechanisms (reflexes) to protect the surface of the eye from getting scratched (eg blinking, moving the head away quickly when the eye is approached by an object) occasionally the surface does get damaged. If this happens to your pet what should you do ?

The front surface of the eye is transparent to allow light through but in fact the surface layer (the cornea) consists of 5 layers. Below this the front (anterior) chamber of the eye is filled with clear fluid. On the surface the cornea is coated with a thin layer of protective, lubricating fluid (tears) which also helps to protect against infection.

If a sharp object scratches the surface of the eye it can be very serious indeed - especially if the wound penetrates through into the fluid in the anterior chamber of the eye, because infection here can cause devastating damage, and sometimes results in the eye being lost.

Even a small superficial scratch on the surface of the eye can be very painful for your pet and it will show some of the following signs 

• Runny eyes - a clear discharge (tear overflow) initially, but discoloured (often yellow or green) later if infection is present
• Blinking or squinting a lot
• Pawing at the affected eye
• Restlessness
• You may be able to see a small tear or defect on the surface of the eye - which usually looks smooth
• Discolouration of the surface of the eye:
  • It may go white or blue if there is a reaction to the injury
  • After a period small red blood vessels may be seen growing in towards the damaged area from the edge of the whites of the eye (the sclera)
  • If damage is left a long time it may become black due to pigment deposits

All scratches to the surface of the eye should be regarded as serious until proved otherwise - for the reasons mentioned above.

Your veterinarian will be able to conduct some relatively simple tests to determine just how serious the damage is and whether or not there is foreign material inside the eye. Depending upon the results of the veterinary examination your pet may need a variety of treatments, including :

• Drops or ointments to put in the eye (eg antibiotics)
• Antibiotics by mouth or injection
• Surgical treatment of the damage to the eye - eg stitching, protection using an eyelid as a flap.
• If  foreign material eg a thorn, has entered the eye it must be removed.
• Pain killers (analgesics - local anaesthetics) may be required to relieve animals with severe discomfort. 

Eyes are very sensitive organs and prompt attention is needed to minimise the chances of serious complications developing.

Updated October 2013