Eyelid Conditions in Pets
Your pet’s eyelids do a lot more than blink. They protect the surface of the eye, distribute tears, and help maintain comfort and clear vision. But when eyelid problems arise, whether due to injury, inflammation, or congenital issues, they can lead to pain, irritation, infection, or even damage to the cornea. At the Veterinary Eye Center - Connecticut, we provide expert diagnosis and advanced treatment for a wide range of eyelid conditions in dogs, cats, and exotic pets. Our board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist offers both medical management and specialized surgical solutions tailored to each patient’s needs.
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Eyelid Masses
Lumps or growths on the eyelids are common in pets, particularly as they age. While many are benign, even non-cancerous eyelid tumors can rub against the eye and cause:
- Chronic irritation
- Tearing or discharge
- Corneal ulcers or abrasions
- Corneal scarring that can affect vision
Removal is recommended to restore comfort, prevent complications, and confirm the diagnosis through histopathology. Some eyelid growths may be malignant, and early diagnosis is key. Depending on the type and size of the tumor, we may recommend:
- Surgical excision with eyelid reconstruction
- “Debulking” with adjunctive cryotherapy to freeze any remaining abnormal tissue
- Histologic evaluation to determine the nature of the lesion
Prolapsed Gland of the Third Eyelid (Cherry Eye)
Commonly referred to as “cherry eye,” this condition occurs when the tear-producing gland of the third eyelid slips out of place. If left untreated, it can cause chronic irritation and potentially severe dry eye. Treatment involves surgical repositioning of the gland (rather than removal) to prevent long-term irritation and preserve tear function. Our board-certified ophthalmologist uses precision techniques to minimize scarring and support long-term comfort and visual recovery.
Blepharitis
Blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelids that can be caused by:
- Allergies
- Infections (bacterial or fungal)
- Immune-mediated diseases
- Structural or breed-related issues
Signs include redness, swelling, crusting, and itching around the eyes. We diagnose the underlying cause and customize treatment using a combination of:
- Topical and sometimes systemic medications and supplements
- Eyelid cleaning protocols
- Long-term management strategies to help reduce flare-ups and maintain comfort
Eyelid Structural Abnormalities (Entropion & Ectropion)
When eyelids roll inward (entropion) or outward(ectropion), it leads to hairs rubbing on the cornea or corneal exposure. This leads to discomfort, ulceration, or scarring that can threaten vision over time.
At VEC CT, we treat these structural issues with:
- Corrective eyelid surgery tailored to the pet’s breed, age, and severity
- Minimally invasive eyelid filler injections in some mild cases
These solutions help restore eyelid function and prevent future corneal damage.
Distichiasis & Trichiasis
These conditions involve abnormal eyelashes that grow:
- From unusual locations (distichiasis)
- In the wrong direction, rubbing the eye (trichiasis)
This can cause hairs rubbing on the eye, leading to persistent irritation, tearing, and corneal injury. Treatments include:
- Cryotherapy to freeze and eliminate rogue follicles
- Surgical correction in severe or recurring cases
Ectopic Cilia
Ectopic cilia are painful, inward-growing hairs that originate from the inner surface of the eyelid and contact the cornea every time your pet blinks. They can cause serious corneal ulcers and pain.
Treatment requires:
- Precise surgical removal of the hair and its follicle
- Sometimes cryotherapy or electrosurgery to prevent regrowth
Early detection can prevent long-term damage and discomfort.
Eyelid Agenesis
Eyelid agenesis is a congenital condition where a portion of the eyelid is missing. This condition most commonly occurs in cats. This exposes the eye to environmental irritants, can affect a patient’s ability to effectively blink, and can lead to corneal ulcers or scarring overtime.
We offer several treatment options depending on the severity:
- Cryotherapy (freeze therapy) for mild to moderate cases
- Reconstructive eyelid surgery for more severe cases
Our goal is to protect the cornea and provide lasting relief.