Tears have three parts:
A superficial oily layer
A watery or aqueous layer
An inner mucin or mucoid layer
With dry eye, the liquid portion of the tear isn't made. Because the mucoid portion of tears is still made, a thick discharge collects in the eyes. This discharge may look like your pet has an infection, but dry eye doesn't start out as an infectious process. Infections can come later because tears aren't flushing dirt and bacteria from the eye.
What do tears do?
The watery tear layer, which makes up most of the tears, carries oxygen and nutrients to the cornea, flushes dust, and protects the eye from bacteria. Because the cornea has no blood vessels, it relies entirely on tears for nourishment and waste removal. The superficial oily layer allows the tear to slide smoothly over the eye, and prevents tears from evaporating. The inner mucoid layer allows tears to flow smoothly, and traps material so that it clumps together and is easier to clear from the eye.
What causes dry eye (KCS)?
About 80% of dogs have dry eye caused by an immune problem. Their immune T cells attack the tear-producing cells and prevent them from producing tears.
Other causes of KCS include:
Toxicity caused by sulfa drugs
Viruses, such as distemper
General anesthetics
Chronic eye infection (herpes virus or chlamydia infection)
Trauma that injures the third eyelid or the tear glands
Recommended pet medications for treating dry eye (KCS)
Artificial Tears Solution
Artificial Tears Solution is a lubricant used to moisturize the eyes. It prevents irritation and relieves dry eyes that occur due to decreased tear production or increased tear evaporation.
For:
Dogs, Cats, and Horses
Benefits:
Relieves dryness of the eye
Prevents further irritation
Puralube Vet Ointment
Puralube Vet Ointment is a sterile petrolatum ophthalmic (eye) lubricant that helps prevent eye dryness and soothe irritation. It forms a protective film over the ocular surface, lubricates the eye, and protects the eye from drying.
For:
Cats, Dogs, and Horses
Benefits:
Can be used before grooming to protect the eyes from water when bathing
Optimmune
Optimmune is a sterile eye ointment containing cyclosporine which helps to treat keratoconjunctivitis Sica (KCS or dry eye) in dogs. Optimmune requires a prescription from your veterinarian.
For:
Dogs
Benefits:
Can increase natural tear production
Reduces inflammation
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