15/10/2026
🌾🐴 BEWARE THE SUMMER GRASS SEEDS! 🌾🐴
At this time of year grass seeds can easily become lodged in a horse’s eye or underneath the eyelids, causing significant irritation and pain. What may initially appear to be a minor irritation can quickly develop into a much more serious problem.
⚠️ Why are grass seeds so dangerous?
Grass seeds can scratch the surface of the eye (cornea), causing painful corneal ulcers. If left untreated, these injuries can lead to infection, severe inflammation, deep ulceration and, in serious cases, permanent damage to the eye or even loss of vision.
👀 SIGNS TO LOOK OUT FOR:
Excessive tearing or watery eyes
Squinting or holding the eye partially or completely closed
Swelling around the eyelids
Redness or irritation
Cloudiness or a blue/white appearance to the eye
Rubbing the eye against objects or with a leg
Sensitivity to sunlight
🚨 DON'T DELAY – CALL YOUR VET!
Eye injuries in horses should ALWAYS be treated as urgent. What looks like a minor irritation can deteriorate rapidly, and early veterinary intervention can make all the difference in protecting your horse's eyesight.
If you suspect a grass seed or foreign body in your horse's eye, do not attempt to remove anything embedded in the eye or use leftover eye medications. Some eye treatments can make corneal ulcers significantly worse.
