'Summer' eyes....runny, crusty eyes

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Twiglet

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Every year Equine Twiglet's eyes suffer in the summer. They're just very runny and that tends to crust in the corners and along his face. It happens every year when it gets hotter. I don't think it's flies as he's in a fly mask every day as soon as the weather improves - it seems more sun related.
Any ideas? Will probably treat with teabags tonight (vet recommends) - any other recommendations for treatment?
 
This happens to one of my horses every summer without fail.
I use golden eye ointment from the chemist which really helps to clear it up.
Eyes are funny things so I would only use this if you are positive its normal for your horse, you wouldn't want to mis-medicate something like UVitis
 
Thanks for the replies.
Teabags definitely seem to soothe it, so will try that tonight. And have used goldeneye in the past, so will grab some of that too, I know the vets often 'prescribe' it.
 
Teabags - either make them with hot water like you would a cup of tea, then cool them in the fridge, or just make them with cold water. Squeeze the worst of the water out then apply them to the eyes, for five minutes or so. Most horses seem to get used to it - Twiglet complains initially but then just lets me hold it there. Definitely seems to ease swelling and discharge from the eyes.
 
Thanks. It does seem to be the same thing every year, as soon as the weather's like this. I do think maybe it's the sun as it seems better once the weather is cooler or wet.
Last night did teabags and Goldeneye, and the eyes definitely seemed better this morning, but will see how he gets on after a day in the field.
 
If you think it's related to strong sunlight, there's a face mask you can buy - made in America I think, but on sale over here - that cut's a huge amount of UVA and UVB light entering the eyes. Can't remember what it's called but it is sort of a stretch hood for the face and where the eyes are, two eye covers stand proud of the mask a little and make your ned look like a fly! But it does the trick and protects the eyes. My concern if it is the sunlight affecting your ned is that, over time, the eyes may become damaged internally and that could mean trouble.
 
this is probably not the mask box of frogs is referring too but my boy wears an Equilibrium mask, it's supposed to keep out 80% of UV light, and he has been much better since.
 
http://www.horsemask.com/products.html
this one?
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