Small Bumps around Dogs Eye

Question
My dog is a male mutt, we've never fully been able to decide what all he has in him since he was found as a puppy at our local shelter.  He is now a year and a half old.  Recently I discovered a bump on the very outside of his eye lid.  It appears to be white, but I think that is because of his fur that is covering it.  I was told it was probably a "puss pocket" and it needed a warm compress on it and it would be fine.  I've since tried that and it hasn't gone away.  Tonight I discovered another bump on the opposite eye.  He doesn't act like he's in pain, and his mood is very positive, nothing has really changed in his behavior.  Tonight was the first time I saw him trying to mess with it, and he scratched at it and torn the top layer of skin off to reveal what appeared to be a very small amount of blood.  I plan on taking him to the vet very soon, should I be worried?  What is this?  Can it be prevented?  Thank you!

Answer
Hi Mandi,
  Umm....I wonder if it could be what we call "chery eye" or nictating membranes is the medical name. It is very common in dogs who are Cocker Spaniel, do you think he is mixed with Cocker? Anyway...I would take him to the vet. to get it checked out. It is something that can be surgically corrected. If it is not surgically corrected then these bumps or "cherry eye" will keep coming back. Take care and get it checked out as soon as you can.