German Shepherd and eye problem

[schrackman]

I was wondering if anyone knew anything about German Shepherds and related eye problems or have had a similar case with their dog.

My 1 year-old Spike has developed red bumps on the outer part of both eyes. I read about Cherry Eye but from what I could tell that affects the inner part of the eye, closer toward the nose. He doesn't act hurt, and his vision appears to be still very clear based on his being able to jump and catch a tennis ball, but you can tell from the goop that's coming out it must be irritating to his eyes.

I'm hoping its relatively a minor problem that I can take care of rather than taking him to a vet (but of course I'll go that route if I have to). Any help from you dog lovers would be appreciated! Here's a few pics of his right eye, which seems to be the worse of the two: