Swelling can be caused by a variety of eye health issues including yeast infections, foreign objects in the eye, trauma to the eye or bacterial infections such as pink eye. Dogs who display any symptoms of an eye issue should be brought to a veterinarian immediately for treatment. Without treatment, some infections, such as uveitis, can cause changes in vision, including permanent blindness, according to the information website VetInfo.com
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Visible Swelling
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Swelling can affect any portion of the eye area: the eyelids, the eyeball, or the surrounding area around the eye. (References 1, 2, 3, 4, 5) Swelling of the eyelid is often an indication of pink eye, whereas swelling of the eyeball itself is a sign of uveitis. (Reference 5) In some cases, the swelling can be so severe that the eyelids swell completely shut or the affected eye appears to be bulging out of the socket. (References 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
Redness
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In a dog, the eyelid and skin around the eye may appear to be red and inflamed. However, redness can also extend to the sclera, which are the white portions of the eyeball. This can give the dog's eyes a bloodshot appearance, which can vary in severity from pink to bright red. (References 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
Pawing
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Infections that cause swelling can also cause itching and discomfort for the dog, so some dogs may paw or scratch at the affected eye. The dog may also rub her face against the carpet or furniture in an attempt to relieve her discomfort.
Unusual Blinking
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Canine conjunctivitis can cause excessive blinking. This could be due to light sensitivity, irritation to the eye itself because of foreign object that is present, or due to the eye being unusually dry.
Sensitivity to Light
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Certain infections which cause swelling may also cause a sensitivity to light. This may mean that the dog avoids sunlight by hiding inside, refusing to go outdoors into the sunlight or staying in dark areas of the home.
Discharge
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Foreign objects in the eye and infections of both the fungal and bacterial variety can cause eye discharge in a dog. Discharge will vary in color and consistency depending on the type of infection present. For example, some dogs may have a clear, watery discharge whereas others may have an unusual yellow or green discharge.
Causes
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In a healthy eye, the third eyelid is not usually visible. Cherry eye is a condition in which the third eyelid has become swollen and is protruding in front of the eyeball. The third eyelid can become so swollen that it may cover the majority of the eyeball or it may appear to be like a small cherry sticking out of the corner of the dog's eye.
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