Squinting
Squinting — holding the eyelids partly or fully closed — is one of the clearest signs that a pet's eye is uncomfortable. It's rarely something to ignore.
Common causes
- Corneal ulcers — surface injuries to the cornea are a frequent cause of squinting
- A foreign body — debris or a foreign object trapped under the eyelid
- Uveitis — inflammation inside the eye
- Glaucoma — elevated eye pressure
- Eyelid abnormalities — entropion (inward-rolling eyelids), ectopic eyelashes, or hairs rubbing against the cornea
- Dry eye disease (KCS) — insufficient tear production irritates the cornea
When to seek care
Because squinting almost always means discomfort, and many of its causes (corneal ulcers, foreign bodies, glaucoma) can worsen quickly, it's best evaluated promptly rather than watched over several days.
Is your pet squinting?
A prompt exam identifies the cause and gets treatment started quickly.