Eye infection, squinting or a swollen eye? Seen today
Eye problems can get worse quickly. A scratch on the surface of the eye treated today is a different problem from the same scratch three days from now.
Mon–Sat, 9 AM–8:30 PM · Tue to 6 PM
What you are seeing
Come in today for
Most eye problems look similar from the outside but behave very differently, which is why it is best not to wait.
- Squinting, blinking hard, or holding the eye shut
- Watering, or thick discharge
- Redness, or a visibly swollen eyelid
- Cloudiness across the surface of the eye
- Pawing or rubbing at the face
- The third eyelid (a membrane in the inner corner of the eye) covering part of the eye and staying there
Straight to emergency instead for sudden blindness, an eye that is bulging or out of its socket, a penetrating injury, or a chemical splash. Emergency care
What we do here
The three things we check
The examination answers three questions: is the surface broken, is the pressure wrong, and is the eye producing tears.
- Fluorescein staining (a dye that shows damage) to find a corneal ulcer (a sore on the surface of the eye)
- Tear production and eye pressure testing
- Treatment for injuries to the cornea (the clear front of the eye)
- Eye surgery on site where it is needed — including entropion and ectropion correction (eyelids that roll in or out), cherry eye repair and enucleation (removing the eye) when medically necessary
What to expect
Medication, and an important recheck
Most eyes go home the same day with drops or ointment and a clear schedule. With a corneal ulcer, the recheck is not optional. It shows whether the ulcer is shrinking or getting deeper, and that can decide whether a week of drops is enough or surgery is needed.
Do not use a leftover ointment from a previous pet or a previous eye. Some steroid-containing drops make an ulcer significantly worse.
Cats too
Eye problems in cats, and the viruses behind them
A squinting cat with a runny eye usually has a different cause than a dog with the same signs.
Feline herpesvirus is common, often flares with stress, and can leave corneal ulcers behind. A cat with one weeping, half-closed eye is worth seeing today rather than treating at home. We are a Gold-level Cat Friendly Practice®, which matters here: an eye exam should never turn into a struggle with a frightened cat.
Which visit is this?
Choose the Right Care for Your Pet
From routine wellness to urgent and emergency care, it all happens under one roof at 6937 Warner Avenue. The difference is how quickly your pet needs to be seen.
Emergency Care
Open now · until 8:30 PM
Come in now — call on the way if you can.
For potentially life-threatening conditions. No appointment needed.
Difficulty breathing · collapse · severe bleeding · suspected poisoning · a swollen or bloated abdomen · seizures · inability to urinate
Calling on the way allows our veterinary team to prepare for your pet’s arrival.
Urgent Care
Same-day care · Walk-ins welcome
When your pet needs to be seen today.
For problems that should not wait for a routine appointment but are not immediately life-threatening.
Vomiting or diarrhea · limping or pain · ear or eye problems · wounds · decreased appetite · sudden changes in behavior or energy
Wellness & Preventive Care
Appointments available
Keeping healthy pets healthy.
Preventive care and planned medical visits, including wellness exams, vaccinations, dental care, surgery consultations, dermatology, and routine diagnostics.
Not sure which type of care your pet needs? Call us. Tell us what you’re seeing, and our veterinary team can help you determine how quickly your pet should be evaluated.
Common questions
Questions we are asked
Is a cloudy eye an emergency?
Sudden cloudiness with pain, or cloudiness with a dilated pupil and loss of vision, should be seen right away, not later today. Come in and call (714) 274-9305 on the way.
Can I use leftover eye drops?
No. Steroid drops can make a corneal ulcer far worse, and an antibiotic that suited one eye may do nothing for another. Bring the bottle with you and we will tell you whether it is useful.
Do you do eye surgery here?
Yes. Eye (ophthalmic) surgery at Animal Republic includes entropion and ectropion correction, cherry eye repair, corneal injury treatment and enucleation when medically necessary. See surgery.
Come in, or call us on the way
If your pet needs to be seen, call and tell us what is happening. We will tell you what to do next and get ready for you before you arrive.
- Address
- 6937 Warner Avenue
Huntington Beach, CA 92647 - Hours
- Monday – Saturday, 9 AM – 8:30 PM · Tue to 6 PMSunday: closed.
- Phone
- (714) 274-9305