An irritated eye in a newborn foal can result from many things, like corneal injury and foreign material in the eye, but it is most often associated with a turned-in eyelid (entropion). In this case, the eyelashes contact the eye surface, causing pain and irritation and resulting in watering and squinting. Entropion is more common in foals that are dehydrated and sick, but is seen in healthy foals too.

Eye problems in foals should be taken seriously because they can quickly damage the eye and make treatment much more difficult and prognosis worse. Keep in mind that eye problems in foals are often associated with other underlying disorders.