Many owners find it adorable when their pets squint in the sun. But did you know? Frequent or intense squinting, especially in bright light, may signal eye disease. One dangerous culprit is high intraocular pressure (early glaucoma), which can cause corneal pain, optic nerve damage, and even permanent blindness.
1) What Is High Eye Pressure?
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Eye fluid (aqueous humor) fails to drain → pressure rises.
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Prolonged pressure damages optic nerve → glaucoma.
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Pets can’t say “my eye hurts”—they show it by squinting, light sensitivity, rubbing eyes.
2) Other Possible Causes of Squinting
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Corneal ulcer: Painful injury or infection.
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Conjunctivitis/keratitis: Red, watery, light-sensitive eyes.
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Dry eye: Tear deficiency causes stinging.
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Foreign body: Dust or fur scratching the cornea.
3) What Can Owners Do?
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Watch for other signs: Redness, tearing, cloudy or enlarged eyes.
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Act fast: Eye disease can worsen within hours.
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Never self-medicate: Human eye drops may worsen damage.
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See a vet ASAP: They’ll check eye pressure and corneal health.
Final Tips
Don’t just think “squinting in sunlight” is cute—it may be your pet saying: my eyes hurt. High pressure, ulcers, dry eye all demand early treatment. Spot it early, and you may save their sight.
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