Contusion of the Eye

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                      General Information



An eye contusion (bruising of the eye) is an injury caused by a

blow to the eye or its surrounding tissue.  The injury may cause

mild to severe bleeding under the outer layers of the eyeball or

may be serious enough to rupture the eye.  Sometimes there is

serious injury inside the eye, with few or no external signs;

therefore, any eye contusion is a serious matter.



                 Important Points in Treatment



1.  A contusion may be painful, so medication for pain may be

    needed.



2.  You should attempt to curtail your pet's activity as much as

    possible, since this helps reduce possible hemorrhage.



3.  The extent of injury to the small, delicate structures

    within the eyeball may not be evident until days or even

    weeks after the accident.  Extended treatment may be

    required.  Retinal detachment may also occur. 



4.  In severe cases, vision may be lost and the eyeball could

    shrink (phthisis bulbi) and lose its normal color.

    Occasionally the eyeball may show changes due to excessively

    high pressure (glaucoma), which could lead to enlargement of

    the eye.  In certain cases, hospitalization will be advised.



       Notify the Doctor if Any of the Following Occur:



    * Your pet shows signs of pain by persistent rubbing of the eye.



    * You cannot apply the medicine as prescribed.



    * The condition appears to worsen.