Help for dry eyes and tips to relieve Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (KCS) in cats and dogs.

What are Dry Eyes?

Dogs and cats often suffer from various eye problems. Dry eyes, also known as Kerato-conjunctivitis Sicca or KCS is a painful eye condition that describes when the glands of the eyes do not produce sufficient tears. In order for your pet’s eyes to be healthy and well lubricated, there are two glands for each eye which provide various components of tears.

If adequate amounts of tears are not produced, the eye becomes inflamed which results in scarring and pigmentation of the cornea. If left untreated, this may lead to reduced vision and eventually blindness.

Dry eye is more common in dogs than cats. It affects certain dog breeds such as Cocker Spaniels, English bulldogs, the Miniature Schnauzer, West Highland White Terrier and pugs.

The common symptoms and signs of dry eye include:

• Redness
• Thick, green discharge
• Recurring eye infections or corneal ulcers
• Eyes may seem dull or dry
• Blinking eyes
• Reduced vision in predisposed breeds

What Causes Dry Eyes?

Dry eye may be caused by a number of factors and these include:

• Viral infections such as canine distemper
• Autoimmune conditions
• Herpes upper respiratory infection in cats
• Congenital defects
• Hypothyroidism
• Removal of the third eyelid tear producing gland
• Certain drugs such as medications containing sulfa
• Anesthesia
• Eye disease or trauma

Diagnosing Dry Eyes

If you suspect your pet has dry eye, your veterinarian will base the diagnosis on the symptoms presented, a thorough examination of the eyelids, conjunctiva and cornea as well as perform certain tests. These tests include a fluorescein stain test and Schirmer tear test. The fluorescein stain test is used to detect corneal ulcers while the Schirmer tear test which helps to measure tear production in the eye.

Help for Dry Eyes

Treatment to relieve dry eyes involves medications that will help to lubricate the eyes, stimulate tear production, replace tears, and reduce inflammation and infection. Medications for symptoms of dry eyes include immune-suppressing drugs such as Cyclosporin, topical antibiotic eye drops, artificial tear ointments and corticosteroids.

A surgical procedure may be performed where a duct from a gland producing saliva is transplanted into the upper lid to replace the aqueous portion of tears but this process seldom occurs.

More Information on Dry Eyes

Tips to maintain healthy eyes