01/04/2025
They do! “Dry eye” is called Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), a disease characterized by inflammation of the clear cornea and conjunctiva (pink tissue covering the whites of the eyes and the inside of the eyelids) secondary to inadequate tear production by the tear glands. This leads to a build up of debris and bacteria that are normally washed away by the tears and a thick mucous discharge forms. The disease is usually caused by inflammation of the lacrimal glands, but can also be caused by the toxic effect of certain drugs on the lacrimal glands or by lack of nerve innervation to the lacrimal glands. Redness, squinting or blinking, and discharge are early signs of disease and indicate irritation and discomfort due to inadequate tears. Treatment is aimed at promoting your pet’s tear production, reducing inflammation, and supplementing the inadequate tears through the use of topical eye drops and ointments.
