B220
Eye Care

Introduction/Clinical Signs: Eye irritation can be a common problem encountered by animals. The irritation can be simply the result of dirt or debris in the eye, or it can be caused by injury, infectious disease, or a specific eye condition. Initially, the eye may become red and irritated. This is often called conjunctivitis. The cow may be sensitive to the light and will "squint" or keep the eye completely closed. Tearing or discharge from the eye is common and can result from irritation, infection, and disease.

Treatment/Prevention: For mild eye irritation, follow these suggestions:

1. Clean around the edges of the eye with a clean washcloth or cotton ball that has been soaked in warm water. After squeezing any excess water from the washcloth or cotton, start at the corner of the eye and wipe AWAY from the eye. Do the same thing on the opposite side of the eye. Gently remove any discharge or debris found around the eye, being careful not to drag any discharge over the surface of the eye. Use different cotton balls or areas of the washcloth for each eye. Both of these methods will help prevent the spread of infection (see figures #1 & 2).
2. Rinse the eye with "artificial tears" or other eye safe product. This can help rinse out debris and soothe the eye.
3. Be sure that hair and eye lashes are kept away from the eye.

The animal should be examined by a veterinarian if the problem does not seem to improve while implementing the above suggestions. Conditions that may seem fairly harmless can soon progress into serious problems that can permanently damage the eye. If the eye becomes cloudy, red, swollen, very irritated, painful, or continues to have discharge, veterinarian attention is a must. The veterinarian may prescribe various ointments or solutions that can be placed in the eye. Figures #3 & 4 can aid in proper administration of these eye products.

Figure #1: This shows a cotton ball being used to remove discharge and debris from the corner of the eye. Start at the corner of the eye and wipe AWAY from the eye.

Figure #2: This picture shows cleaning the opposite side of the eye in a similar manner. Again, start at the corner of the eye and wipe AWAY from the eye.

Figure #3: This picture shows how to administer an eye ointment in the eye. The lower eye lid is pulled down slightly to create a type of “pocket” for the ointment. A small ribbon of ointment is then placed into the pocket.

Figure #4: After the ointment is placed into the eye, the eye lids are gently brought together once or twice to help spread the ointment throughout the eye. See page F220 for additional information and suggestions about specific eye problems found in cattle.