What is “cherry eye”?
Cherry eye is a common term for prolapse of the third eyelid gland. Many mammals, including dogs, have an “extra” or third eyelid located inside the lower eyelid. This serves as an additional protective layer for the eye, especially during hunting or fighting. The third eyelid contains a gland that produces a significant portion of the tear film. When this gland prolapses or “pops out,” the condition is known as “cherry eye.” What are the clinical signs of “cherry eye”? Prolapse of the third eyelid gland appears a red swollen mass (named by its resemblance to a cherry) on the lower eyelid near the nose or muzzle. The “cherry eye” may be large and cover a significant portion of the cornea or it may be small and appear only periodically. Any sign of “cherry eye’ should be brought to your veterinarian’s attention immediately. What causes “cherry eye”? The gland of the third eyelid is normally anchored to the lower inner rim of the eye by a fibrous attachment. In certain breeds it is thoug
