This disease is the result of abnormal production of tears. Tears are essential because it cleanse and lubricate the cornea, carry the nutrients and also help in healing and control of the infection.
KCS is thought to be caused by some viral infections like canine distemper as well as immune mediated diseases. Other reasons of this disease are hyperthyroidism and the use of sulfa-containing drugs. Sulfa-containing drugs cause dry eyes by producing a toxic effect and the absence of this drug may improve dry eye.
Dry eye in dogs is characterized with dull and dry winking eyes. He may also experience recurrent eye infections and/or corneal ulcers. Thick, green discharge is usually seen sticking to the hair around the eye. This is usually diagnosed in one eye first and later develops in the other eye within several months. A dog with KCS tends to squint and rub his eyes and is sensitive to light. If your dog is showing any of these symptoms, it is best to see your veterinarian immediately for eye examination.
Dry eye is diagnosed based on the symptoms mentioned earlier. Also with a Schirmer tear test (STT) that measures the production of the tear production in the eye. A dog’s normal STT values are 15 to 25 mm/minute. Dog breed that is susceptible to conjunctivitis, even without clinical signs of dry eye should undergo STT.
Treatment of KCS usually aims to restore the moisture of the eye by lubricating the eye, tear replacement, stimulating tear production, reducing bacteria overgrowth and reducing inflammation. Substitutes like polyvinyl alcohol, methylcellulose and hyaluronic acid are traditionally used to replace the lost tears. However, these solutions do not have a primary effect on the inflammation process and in the production of tears.
Recently veterinarians prescribe Cyclosporine, diluted in water and applied to the surface of the eye in order to stimulate tear production. Cyclosporine shows no undesirable effects even if used in long term basis. The use of cyclosporine may retain a dog’s vision for years but that doesn’t work for all patients with KCS. These treatments do not cure KCS, but are just ways to deal with this painful condition. In worst cases, dry eye can also be treated through surgery.
Dry eye seems to be a simple disease but if left untreated, might damage your dog’s vision or may even result to complete blindness.
It's a disorder of the tear film that occurs because of decreased tear production, excessive tear evaporation or abnormality in mucin or lipid components of the tear film. This leads to itchiness, redness or a feeling of burning sensation in the eyes.
Several factors responsible for eye dryness are:
?Menopause in women. ?Long periods of contact lenses usage. ?Excessive computer usage or TV watching ?Excessive exposure to dust ?Insufficient sleep ?Consumption of drugs like estrogens, and excessive intake of beverages like caffeine, alcohol ?Arthritis, gout or usage of corticosteroids, antidepressants can lead to eye dryness.
Its main cause is age. As we grow older, we become more prone to dry eye. It is observed that dry eyes symptoms are more common among women than in men with a ratio of 2:1, who are usually aged above 51 years of age. As per an Australian survey: around 60 percent of patients aged 50 or above, were victims of dry eye symptoms, whereas 16 percent of people had moderate to severe symptoms.
Treatment for Dry Eye
There are many dry eye treatments, which can bring relief to your irritated eyes. These have been listed as below:
?Best treatment options of eye dryness are therapeutic, depending upon the severity of the syndrome. In some cases, the doctors may need to treat the underlying eyelid diseases, or have to modify the environmental conditions of the ocular surface. ?The other method is the use of punctual plugs. These plugs block the drainage of tears and conserve them in the eyes for a longer time. They are painlessly inserted and can be removed by an eye care professional. ?Sealing of the drainage can also be done surgically. This method prevents tears from draining from the eyes and keeps the eyes moisturized. ?Warming of the eye can also heal the worst eye condition. A warming device is used for correcting the tear breakup time. ?The over-the counter dry eye supplements are very effective in providing instant relief to the itchy parts, by providing moisturization to the ocular surface. ?The first and only therapy approved by FDA (Food and Drug Administration) for DES (Dry Eye Syndrome) victims is the topical cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion. This helps people whose tear production is suppressed due to ocular inflammation. ?Tear substitutes like colustrum helps greatly in treating conjunctival disorder. Oral cyclosporine A (CsA), is used in treatment of severe ocular disorders, which incorporates DES along with other eye problems. This is a topical treatment and deters the possibility of side effects.
Treatments are numerous. However, the unique new topical treatments are good for treating patients with dry eye syndrome, which can be in the primary or secondary stage associated with ocular allergy.
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Richard Cussons has sinced written about articles on various topics from Terrier Dogs, Boston Terrier Dogs and Terrier Dogs. Richard Cussons is not just a writer but also a great lover of dogs. Learn at this. Richard Cussons's top article generates over 450000 views. to your Favourites.
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