Redness, squinting or pain
Is your pet's eye suddenly red, squinting, or clearly painful?
A red, squinting, or watery eye is your pet's way of telling you something is wrong — and with eyes, waiting is risky. Some causes, like glaucoma, can threaten vision within days. A veterinary ophthalmologist finds the reason, relieves the pain, and works to protect your pet's sight.
Signs you might notice
Squinting
Holding the eye partly or fully closed
Redness
A bloodshot eye or red, swollen tissue around it
Pawing or rubbing
Rubbing the eye on furniture or pawing at the face
Watery or thick discharge
More tearing or discharge than usual
Light sensitivity
Avoiding bright rooms or sunshine
What's really going on
A red, painful eye is a signal, not a diagnosis — the cause can sit on the surface of the eye or deep inside it. Pressure building up inside the eye (glaucoma) and inflammation within the eye (uveitis) can look similar from the outside but need very different treatment.
Some of these causes can permanently affect vision in a matter of days, which is why a painful eye should never be a wait-and-see problem.
How a specialist helps
A board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist measures the pressure inside the eye, examines it under magnification from the surface to the structures deep inside, and pinpoints exactly where the problem is. That precision is what lets treatment relieve the pain and protect your pet's sight — instead of guessing.
What to expect at your visit
- A conversation about what you've noticed and when it started
- A gentle, thorough eye exam — including an eye-pressure check
- A clear diagnosis of where the pain is coming from
- A treatment plan to relieve discomfort and protect vision