Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (KCS), also known as dry eye, is a common, potentially blinding condition that results from decreased production of tears. Early diagnosis and treatment are important because of the potential effects on vision and the overall health of the eye.

Dogs with Keratoconjunctivitis sica or ‘dry eye' fail to produce adequate tears and as a result will have a thick, mucous eye discharge with concurrent inflammation of the cornea and skin surrounding the eye.

The clinical signs associated with KCS vary depending on the severity of the tear deficiency. Most dogs will have a thick, white or green discharge that collects on the surface of the eye and eyelids as the first noticeable sign. Next the eyes appear red and inflamed. Pawing at the eyes may be a result of the ocular (eye) irritation. Inflammation and thickening of the cornea (the outer layer of the eye) may occur in severe or chronic cases. This inflammation causes new blood vessels and abnormal pigmentation to be deposited on the cornea, leading to impaired vision over time.

Causes of KCS include: immune-mediated diseases (including thyroid disease, diabetes, allergies, and adrenal disease), head trauma, congenital abnormalities (breed and genetic related), drug-induced (this form of KCS is typically transient while the others are permanent), chronic conjunctivitis, and radiation therapy.

Because of the possibility of a treatable underlying cause, blood work will be done as part of your dog's diagnostic work-up. Additional tests performed on the eye itself include a Schirmer Tear Test which measures the amount of tears produced in one minute, and a fluorescein dye test which checks for corneal ulcers. Dogs with KCS are at an increased risk of developing corneal ulcers due to the decreased lubrication and cleansing, caused by a lack of the protective tears. Tonometry may also be performed to assess the pressure within the eye and ensure that there is no evidence of glaucoma.

Treatment for KCS involves stimulating tear production and removing secondary bacterial infections. Until tear production has increased significantly, your dog will require frequent medications. As the condition improves, some of these medications may be decreased, but lifelong medication is mandatory for control of the condition. In the rare cases that do not respond to medical therapy, or where the owner is unable to medicate the dog, referral to an ophthalmologist for surgery is an option.

Recommended ophthalmic medications:

Cyclosporine or Tacrolimus : Apply 1-2 drops twice daily.
Occasionally this may cause some mild irritation for a few minutes after application.

Hy-Optic: Apply 1-2 drops every six hours initially

When administering multiple medications, allow at least 5 minutes in between. If you notice any increase in ocular pain, redness,or discharge, please contact your vet as soon as possible.