Background
Dry Eye Syndrome is a condition in which the tear glands are unable to function normally to provide adequate moisture to the surface of the eye (cornea). It is also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Each eye has two tear glands. One is located above the eye within the orbit and another is associated with the third eyelid. Dry Eye is diagnosed at your pet’s eye exam using a Schirmer Tear Test. Dry Eye is most often an inherited immune-mediated condition in adult dogs, meaning that the dog’s own immune system acts to inflame the glands so that they work poorly. Other potential causes include: a drug reaction (sulfa antibiotics, etodolac), birth defect, other illnesses (diabetes, hypothyroidism), nerve damage, and herpesvirus infection (cats). Consequences of untreated or poorly medication-responsive Dry Eye include persistent thick discharge, bacterial conjunctivitis, ocular discomfort, inflamed eyelids, corneal ulcerations, poor corneal healing, and progressive vision loss. The condition usually affects both eyes, is chronic, and requires management for the duration of the dog’s life.
For even more information, here is a brochure on Dry Eye provided by the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists.
Medical Treatment
Fortunately, most animals respond well to medical therapy designed to stimulate the tear gland to produce more of its own natural tears. Cyclosporine and tacrolimus are the medication used most commonly today for this purpose. They are usually administered twice daily, often in combination with other medications aimed directly at the symptoms. Removal of discharge from the eyes is also very important as it can serve as a medium for bacterial growth. An eye wash is recommended to irrigate the surface of the eyes, and is available over the counter. Do not use water or wipe the eyes with a tissue to remove the discharge. Simple lubrication of the eyes with tear replacements is important for patients when they have very low tear production values. Medications must be applied on a regular schedule to prevent progression of the symptoms and potential vision loss. It is important to recognize that this condition can be controlled, but not cured. Do NOT stop medicating when your pet’s symptoms improve! You may continue to refill the medications until your pet is due for the next recommended re-examination. If your pet ever requires oral antibiotics for other problems, sulfa medications should not be used as they can further decrease tear production.
Other forms of Dry Eye in dogs and those that do not respond to the above treatment may receive alternative medical treatments, which will be discussed in more detail by your veterinary ophthalmologist as needed. Cats with Dry Eye are typically treated much differently. Since their condition is typically less severe and commonly associated with a herpesvirus infection outbreak, medications are typically aimed at the underlying problem and lubrication.
Surgical Treatment
Surgery may be necessary in rare cases where the tear glands are unable to respond to medication. This is much less common nowadays since most dogs respond to modern medications for Dry Eye. The surgical procedure involves moving a salivary gland duct from the mouth to the eye (parotid duct transposition) to provide a constant source of moisture to the eye. The procedure is very successful in keeping the eye moist, but it does not entirely eliminate the need for continued medication. After surgery, the operated eye appears to “tear” while the dog is eating because of stimulation to the salivary gland and it may be necessary to clean and dry the face after mealtime. The most common candidate for this procedure is a puppy born with non-functioning or absent tear glands and so face a lifetime of severe Dry Eye symptoms, pain, and vision loss otherwise.
