Goopy eyes

Question
Hi, I have a 24 year old Appaloosa mare that is having some issues with one of her eyes. She has always had one eye that is watery and crusty. Up until about a couple months ago I always just thought it was kinda normal. People get those crusties so I thought horses would too. But the last couple months I've noticed that the goop is greenish yellow. I took her to the vet about 2 months ago and had her teeth done and the vet took a look at her eye and noticed the duct was inflamed. He did flush her duct and a small amount of the solution came through the eye, indicating it wasn't completely blocked. He gave me some eye drops and I have used them as directed. It seemed to help a little with the inflammation but the teary goop never stopped. The vet did say that the stuff blocking the duct would eventually work its way out in the course of giving the drops. But since I'm all done with the drops the enlarged duct and goop are back just like before. I have used saline solution I bought at a tack store and flush her eye 3 times a week or so. Every time lots of dirt comes out. I'm thinking that she rolls and scratches the eye too. Although I've never seen her scratch at it. So I guess my question is do you think I should see the vet again or do you think it will eventually cure itself if I just keep it clean and clear the goop away? Or is this some kind of condition?
Thx

Answer
Hi Stephanie!  Wow, eyes are really tricky especially on older horses.  The nasalacrimal duct runs just about the entire length of a horses face and tends to get clogged fairly easily.  Whatever it is that is clogging your horse up apparently isn't moving on its own.  Flushing fluids may well be able to get by the obstruction but has failed to dislodge it up to this point.  It is possible that it will eventually dislodge on its own but then again it may not.  I tend to react quickly to any infections/complications that affect my horse's eye because they aren't really something you want to take chances with.  I would recommend seeing the vet again and hopefully he or she will be a bit more aggressive with the treatment this time.  Sometimes these clogged ducts require a drain to be inserted so that you can flush it out a couple times a day but hopefully it won't be that involved in your case.  Some people may wait on something like this but I wouldn't recommend it since it involves the eye.

I'd love to know how it all works out Stephanie!  You're on the right track and your horse is very lucky to have an owner who is as on top of things as you are!!  :)

Thank you!
Judi