Due to their delicate size and features, Chihuahuas are prone to unique eye conditions not seen in other breeds. 

In this article, we'll go over some of the most common Chihuahua eye problems – including what signs and symptoms you should look out for as well as how they can be treated. 

We'll also provide helpful tips on how to prevent these issues from occurring in the first place so that you can keep your Chihuahua's vision in top shape!

These cloudy, opaque spots on the lens of the eye can cause a range of symptoms, from mild blurriness and difficulty seeing in low light to complete blindness. 

While cataracts are most commonly associated with older Chihuahuas, they can occur in Chihuahuas of any age.

- Cloudy, white, or grey appearance in the eyes 

- Blurred vision

- Sensitivity to light 

- Squinting or rubbing of eyes 

- Inherited traits from parents 

- Diabetes 

- High blood pressure 

- Trauma or injury to the eyes 

- Surgery: surgical removal of the cataract and replacement with an artificial lens 

- Nutritional supplements: specially formulated to improve vision-related issues 

- Medication: antibiotics are prescribed to reduce inflammation and prevent infection  

- Eye drops/ointments: typically used to treat dry eyes or other

Glaucoma in Chihuahuas is a serious condition that can lead to permanent blindness if left untreated. 

Glaucoma occurs when there is a buildup of pressure in the eyes, causing damage to the optic nerve. While it can affect any breed, Chihuahuas are particularly susceptible due to their small size and genetics. 

It is crucial to seek veterinary care immediately if you suspect your Chihuahua may be suffering from glaucoma. 

While there is no cure for the condition, early diagnosis, and treatment can help to slow its progression and preserve your Chihuahua's vision.

The symptoms of glaucoma in Chihuahuas can be quite varied, but should you notice any of these symptoms, it’s best to have your Chihuahua's eyes checked anyway:

- Constant blinking

- Eyes watering

- The eyeball appears to be receding into the head

- Reddening of the whites of the eyes

- Pupils not responding to light

- Clumsiness, bumping into furniture, vision loss

- Enlarged eyeball (severe/advanced)

- Degeneration within the eye (severe/advanced)

- Loss of appetite or significant change in mood (severe/advanced)

- Constriction of the pupil (secondary)

- The Iris sticking to the lens or cornea (secondary)

- Inflammatory debris can be seen in front of the eye (secondary)- 

Glaucoma is the result of the optic nerve connecting the brain to the eye becoming damaged. 

This is typically the result of a build-up of pressure in the eyes caused by fluid gathering at the front of the eye. 

Primary glaucoma in Chihuahuas develops with an unknown cause, making it significantly more difficult to treat owing to the inability to find the primary source of the problem. Though there are still ways that the condition can be improved. 

Secondary glaucoma in Chihuahuas has a recognizable cause of the damage. This could be related to trauma in the eye, severe inflammation, cataracts, diabetes, or even certain drugs that can be prescribed for other health conditions such as steroids. 

Glaucoma can’t be fully reversed, sadly, but it can be treated. To begin with, you will need to lower the pressure that’s causing the condition as quickly as possible, the faster the pressure is reduced, the less damage will be caused to your Chihuahua’s eye in the long term. This can be done using prescription medication. 

The course of treatment that follows depends entirely on the cause, severity, and type of glaucoma your Chihuahua is suffering with. The different treatment options include:

- Draining the fluid and killing the intraocular fluid cells with cyclo cryotherapy.

- Removal of the affected eye, and closing of the eye cavity (now filled with an orb).

Eye removal is often inevitable in the more severe, long-term cases. Though it may feel extreme, Chihuahuas generally adapt quite easily given time to adjust. 

This condition, also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca, occurs when there is a lack of lubrication in the eyes. 

If left untreated, it can lead to corneal ulcers and even blindness. Chihuahuas are at a higher risk for this syndrome due to their small size and genetic predisposition. 

If left untreated, Dry Eye Syndrome can result in vision loss, corneal ulcers, and other complications. It is essential to diagnose and treat this condition as soon as possible.

- Eyes appear dull, dry, and red 

- Excessive tearing 

- Squinting or rubbing of the eyes 

- Cloudiness on the surface of the eye (corneal ulcers) 

- Low tear production 

- Autoimmune diseases  

- Trauma or injury to the eye - Blocked tear ducts 

- Allergies, infections, and foreign objects in the eye 

- Artificial tears: to provide moisture and lubrication to the eyes 

- Medication: prescribed antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and/or corticosteroids 

- Surgery: used to open blocked tear ducts or remove foreign objects from the eye 

- Nutritional supplements: specially formulated for vision health 

Cherry eye with Chihuahuas is characterized by an obvious bubble-like appearance at the corner of the eyes. Chihuahua owners unfamiliar with this condition may think it’s the result of severe swelling of the tear duct, however, it is actually a prolapse of the nictitans. 

This prolapse occurs when the Chihuahua’s third eyelid becomes severely inflamed. This inflammation causes of inflated appearance as a result of excessive swelling. This is not necessarily a painful condition, though it can be quite itchy or irritating for the Chihuahua that has it.

- Excessive tearing 

- Swelling and inflammation of the eye area 

- Discharge from the affected eye 

With cherry eye, Chihuahua eyes are ordinarily genetically predisposed to developing the condition. You would ordinarily see it begin to form before the age of two as the puppy is developing. Cherry eyes in Chihuahuas after this age are less common, but not unheard of. 

Cherry eyes in Chihuahuas are usually treated via surgery in order to return the prolapsed gland to its normal position. The procedure itself can vary depending on the severity of the condition, this can depend on several factors such as:

- How long the Chihuahua has had the prolapse

- The position of the affected gland

- The shape of the Chihuahua’s face

Prolapsed gland removal can be performed on Chihuahuas, however, this is only in the most severe cases and is generally not recommended unless absolutely necessary. 

This is due to the importance of the role the nictitans play in the overall health of the surface of the Chihuahuas' eye.

Foreign objects in a Chihuahua's eyes can be a serious issue. When small debris or foreign matter gets into your Chihuahua's eyes, it can cause discomfort, pain, and even lead to infections or corneal ulcers. 

It's important to keep a close eye on your Chihuahua and monitor their behavior for any signs of discomfort or redness of the eyes. If you notice any unusual behavior, take them to the veterinarian immediately for an eye exam. 

- Redness of the eye 

- Excessive tearing 

- Squinting or rubbing of the eyes 

- Discharge from the eye 

- Pain and discomfort around the eye area

- Debris or foreign matter in the eye 

- Allergies, infections, and foreign objects in the eye 

- Trauma or injury to the eye 

- Removal of the foreign object with tweezers or a sterile cotton swab. 

- Artificial tears to provide moisture and lubrication to the eye. 

- Antibiotics and/or anti-inflammatories as prescribed by the veterinarian. 

- Surgery in cases where there is trauma or injury to the eye. 

Corneal Endothelial Dystrophy is a serious condition that may affect your Chihuahua. It is a disease that affects the endothelium, which is the thin layer of cells that lines the back part of the cornea. 

When this layer is damaged, it can no longer remove excess water from the cornea, and this causes the cornea to become swollen and cloudy, which can lead to significant vision loss. In severe cases, surgery may be required to prevent blindness. 

If you suspect that your Chihuahua has Corneal Endothelial Dystrophy, it is crucial to seek veterinary attention immediately to start treatment and prevent further damage to their vision.

- Cloudy or hazy appearance of the cornea 

- Excessive tearing 

- Redness and irritation around the eyes 

- Pain and discomfort in the eye area 

- Genetic predisposition 

- Age 

- Allergies or infections which affect the eye 

- Trauma to the eye area 

- Medications: steroid and/or antibiotic eye drops, as well as topical pain medications

- Surgery: corneal transplant surgery to replace the damaged endothelium 

- Nutritional supplements: specially formulated for vision health 

- Lifestyle changes: such as avoiding eye irritants, ensuring proper hygiene of the eyes

Red eyes in Chihuahuas may seem like a minor issue, but it can actually be quite serious. This condition, also known as conjunctivitis, occurs when the membrane lining the eye becomes inflamed and red. 

It can be caused by a variety of factors, such as allergies or infections, and if left untreated, can lead to more severe eye problems. 

If your Chihuahua is exhibiting red eyes, it is important to consult with a veterinarian as soon as possible to determine the root cause and begin treatment. 

- Redness of the eye 

- Swelling of the eyelids 

- Eye discharge or crusting around the eyes 

- Blurred vision or sensitivity to light 

- Pain and discomfort in the eye area 

- Allergies 

- Bacterial or viral infections 

- Irritants (e.g. dust, pollen, smoke) 

- Foreign bodies in the eye 

- Structural abnormalities of the eyelids or tear ducts 

- Mild cases:artificial tears and/or eye drops to soothe the eyes 

- Moderate cases: antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medications, as prescribed by your veterinarian 

- Severe cases: surgery may be necessary for more serious conditions such as entropion, a condition where the eyelids turn inward and cause irritation and pain.

One characteristic that has been observed in Chihuahuas is that their eyes may appear to bulge out of their sockets. 

This condition, known as exophthalmos, can occur due to a variety of reasons such as thyroid issues, cranial deformities, tumors, or infections. 

While some Chihuahuas may have naturally bulging eyes, it is important to keep a vigilant watch on any sudden changes in appearance or behavior. 

If you notice that your Chihuahua's eyes appear more prominent than usual, it's recommended to seek veterinary advice immediately to prevent any potentially serious health issues. 

- Eyes that appear to be bulging out of their sockets 

- Redness and irritation around the eye area 

- Swelling in the eye area 

- Watery discharge from the eyes 

- Pain or discomfort when touched around the eye area 

- Thyroid disorders 

- Cranial deformities 

- Tumors affecting the eye area 

- Infections or inflammation in the eye area 

- Structural abnormalities of the eyelids or tear ducts  

- Medications: thyroid hormone therapy or antibiotics if the cause is an infection 

- Surgery: to correct any structural abnormalities of the eyelids or tear ducts and remove any tumors, if necessary 

- Lifestyle changes: such as avoiding eye irritants and ensuring proper hygiene of the eyes 

- Nutritional supplements: specially formulated for vision health and to support thyroid health 

A Corneal Ulcer is a serious condition that affects the eyes of Chihuahuas. It is characterized by an open wound on the surface of the cornea, which can lead to pain, redness, and discharge. 

If left untreated, the ulcer can penetrate deeper into the cornea, causing permanent damage to the eye and even resulting in blindness. Early detection and treatment are essential to prevent such severe consequences. 

Therefore, if you notice any changes in your Chihuahua's eye, such as squinting or excessive scratching, it is vital to seek veterinary attention immediately. 

- Cloudy or hazy appearance in the eye 

- Squinting and redness of the eye 

- Excessive tearing or discharge from the eye 

- Sensitivity to light 

- Blurry vision or blindness 

- Pain and discomfort in the affected area. 

- Trauma or injury to the eye 

- Eye infections, such as conjunctivitis and keratitis 

- Foreign bodies in the eye, such as dust particles or plant debris 

- Structural abnormalities of the eyelids or tear ducts  

- Medications: antibiotics to treat any underlying infection, and anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce swelling and pain. 

- Surgery: to repair any structural abnormalities of the eyelids or tear ducts, if necessary.

 - Lifestyle changes: such as avoiding eye irritants and ensuring proper hygiene of the eyes. 

Lens Luxation occurs when the ligaments that support the lens of the eye weaken, causing it to move out of its normal position. 

This disorder is a serious health issue that can lead to blindness if left untreated. 

It calls for immediate medical attention as the lens movement can lead to irritation, inflammation, and pressure on other eye structures, causing severe pain to your beloved Chihuahua. 

- Cloudy or hazy appearance in the eye 

- Squinting and redness of the eye 

- Sudden blurring of vision 

- Sudden loss of vision 

- Eye protrusion 

- Pain and discomfort in the affected area.

- Genetic predisposition 

- Trauma or injury to the eye 

- Eye infections, such as conjunctivitis and keratitis 

- Tumors affecting the eye area 

- Medications: anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce swelling and pain 

- Surgery: to reposition the lens, repair any structural damage of the eye, or remove any tumors, if necessary 

- Lifestyle changes: such as avoiding eye irritants and ensuring proper hygiene of the eyes 

- Nutritional supplements: specially formulated for vision health and to support thyroid health. 

- Laser therapy: to reduce the swelling and inflammation of the affected eye area. 

- Limiting physical activities that may cause further trauma or discomfort to the eyes.​

This condition, also known as pink eye, is an inflammation of the thin, transparent membrane that covers the white part of your Chihuahua's eye. 

It can be caused by a variety of factors, including bacteria, viruses, or allergies. The most common symptoms of conjunctivitis in Chihuahuas include redness, swelling, itching, and discharge from the eyes. 

If you notice any of these symptoms in your Chihuahua, it's important to take them to the vet for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. 

- Redness and swelling in the eye area 

- Cloudy appearance in the eyes 

- Discharge from one or both eyes 

- Excessive blinking and squinting of the affected eye(s)

- Itching and discomfort in the affected area. 

- Bacterial infections 

- Viral infections 

- Allergies 

- Foreign objects in the eyes

- Injury or trauma to the eye area.  

- Medications: antibiotics to reduce bacterial infections and antihistamines to reduce allergic reactions. 

- Surgery: to remove any foreign objects in the eye or repair any structural damage, if necessary. 

- Lifestyle changes: such as avoiding environmental irritants and ensuring proper hygiene of the eyes. 

- Cold compresses: to reduce swelling and discomfort. 

- Limiting physical activities that may cause further trauma or discomfort to the eyes. 

- Nutritional supplements: specially formulated for vision health, to support thyroid health, and to boost immunity. 

- Regular eye checkups with a veterinary ophthalmologist to ensure prompt treatment of any recurrence or infection.

Distichiasis is a condition in which the eyelashes can grow in abnormal places or directions. This is not overly common with Chihuahuas, however, it has been known to happen. 

When a Chihuahua has Distichiasis the eyelashes can turn inwards and irritate the eye - potentially leading to infection. 

- Abnormal growth of eyelashes 

- Eyelashes growing inwards or in the wrong direction 

- Itching and discomfort around the eye area 

- Redness and swelling of the affected area 

- Excessive blinking, squinting, tearing, or discharge from eyes 

Distichiasis in Chihuahuas is usually passed down genetically, as opposed to being an odd occurrence. There is no known external factor that contributes to the development of Distichiasis. 

Distichiasis in Chihuahuas can be treated with drops a couple of times a day that can lubricate the eyes and help to protect them against the eyelashes. 

We would not advise attempting to pluck the out eyelashes as sharp tweezers should not be put so close to your Chihuahua's eyes in case they move suddenly. 

In more severe cases, minor surgery can be performed to remove the problematic hair follicles and prevent the eyelashes from growing back in the future. 

However, this is not guaranteed to be a permanent fix and may need to be repeated for new eyelashes at a later date.