When an animal closes one eye—or both—or blinks more frequently than usual, this is called blepharospasm.
What Causes Blepharospasm?
This persistent or intermittent twitching of the eyelid muscles signals ocular discomfort or pain. The causes of this reflexive blinking can therefore be highly varied, including in particular:
- the presence of a foreign body, such as a grain of sand, dust, or plant debris;
- an allergy causing ocular irritation—known as allergic blepharitis or conjunctivitis;
- a corneal ulcer;
- uveitis—an inflammation of the eye’s anterior chamber;
- glaucoma, linked to increased intraocular pressure.
For blepharospasm, it will therefore be necessary to look for other signs of ocular diseases.
When Should You See a Doctor?
If you notice one or more of these signs:
- Sudden behavioral changes in your pet, such as lethargy or loss of appetite;
- severe eye redness;
- white, yellowish, or greenish eye discharge;
or any other major change in the appearance of the affected eye or both eyes, consult your vet immediately.
