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If your pet is squinting, has eye discharge, or has a significantly swollen eye, these are considered a \u201cYELLOW\u201d \u2013 or semi-urgent case \u2013 on our Fast Track Triage system. We recommend having your pet evaluated by your family veterinarian, a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist, or local animal emergency hospital within 24 hours. Call ahead of your arrival so the veterinary team knows to expect you, and if your pet\u2019s condition worsens, call the team back to inform them of the status change. <\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Tears are an important part of vision and eye protection \u2013 for humans & pets! The tear film improves vision, lubricates the ocular surface, provides comfort, removes debris, and helps to reduce the risk of infection. The tear film is made up of three layers including an outer oily layer, middle liquid layer, and inner mucus layer. A lack of the liquid (aqueous) portion of the tear film is called Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (KCS), also known as quantitative \u201cdry eye\u201d. Loss of the thin outer lipid layer results in premature evaporation of the tear film which causes symptoms of dry eye called qualitative dry eye syndrome. If your pet is experiencing decreased tear production or poor tear film quality, here\u2019s what you need to know about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of dry eye.<\/p>\n The most common cause of dry eye is autoimmune destruction of the tear-producing lacrimal gland. This condition is similar to Sjogren\u2019s syndrome in people. Fortunately, this immune condition is limited only to the tear-producing gland of the eye and no other parts of the body are affected. Often, dry eye occurs in middle-aged or older dogs. Any breed can be affected.<\/p>\n Other less common causes of dry eye include neurologic dysfunction, lack of tear gland development, prior removal of the third eyelid gland, use of a sulfa-based antibiotics, and other causes.<\/p>\n The severity of dry eye symptoms is highly variable between patients based on their level of tear production. Pet owners should watch for the following signs of dry eye:<\/p>\n Note:<\/em> Corneal ulcers may develop secondary to dry eye.<\/p>\n Dry eye is diagnosed based on your pet\u2019s history, clinical signs, and diagnostic test results, such as:<\/p>\n There are multiple treatment options for dry eye, including:<\/p>\n Most dogs diagnosed with dry eye respond well to topical medical therapy. Typically, life-long medication administration is required for this condition. Your pet\u2019s ophthalmologist will work with you and your pet to find the medication combination that best controls your pet\u2019s clinical signs.<\/p>\n If you have any questions or concerns about your pet\u2019s ocular health, talk to your family veterinarian or ask for a referral to our Ophthalmology Service<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong>
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<\/p>\nCauses of Dry Eye<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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<\/p>\nSigns to Look For<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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<\/p>\nDiagnosing Dry Eye<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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<\/p>\nTreatment<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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