Follicular conjunctivitis or follicular hyperplasia is a disease of the lymphoid follicles that are present on the conjunctiva of the eye. It represents an exaggerated reaction by these follicles to environmental allergens. The greatest number of the follicles are beneath the surface of the nictitans membrane (third eyelid), and that is where the problem is most apparent. The conjunctiva of the eye becomes bloodshot, and there is increased discharge surrounding the fluid filled lymphoid follicles. The swollen, fluid filled follicles cause increased friction beneath the eyelid. Increased friction causes the eye to become even more inflamed, irritated, swollen and uncomfortable.
The condition is commonly found in younger dogs, and can sometimes be self limiting (can resolve spontaneously). For diagnosis, a cytological exam of the discharge of the eye shows increased lymphocytes and plasma-cells, which are cells associated with allergy.
Eye drops containing dexamethasone, or other anti-inflammatories may help temporarily. A NON-SURGICAL procedure can be performed to reduce the friction of the engorged follicles thus providing relief. This procedure can be performed using a topical (local anesthetic) ophthalmic anesthesia.
There is a possibility that the problem may resolve on it's own. However, if your dog is very painful, it might be a good idea to consider the procedure. PLEASE NOTE: the procedure that I have described above is not a surgery.
Ideally, if you had the funds it might be best to get a second opinion by another veterinarian, who can actually examine your dog.
Thank you so much for your explanation and recommendations for treatment. My only question now is if the topical ophthalmic anesthesia is the treatment itself or if they use that just to numb the eye while they perform some procedure (my vet described a procedure where they scrap the follicles off the eye itself). Again, I really do appreciate you taking the time to answer my question!