Dr. Becker Talks About Dry Eye (KCS)

It could be an early warning sign of this uncomfortable syndrome. Discover its causes, what to ask your vet to do, whether you should ever opt for surgery, and the treatment you should never use. And most importantly, how to make your pet more comfortable.

Keratoconjunctivitis sicca, or KCS, is also known as dry eye syndrome. Dry eye is a condition in which the tear mixture, which consists of oil, mucus and mostly water, is absent the water. Only oil and mucus are being secreted, which is why pets with KCS have thick, yellow discharge from their eyes.

There are a number of causes of dry eye. The most common is immune mediated destruction of tissue in tear-producing glands. Other causes include canine distemper, herpes-related feline upper respiratory infection, trauma, certain antibiotics and anesthesia, and removal of the third eyelid lacrimal gland.

A diagnosis of KCS requires a Schirmer tear test to measure the amount of tear production from the tear ducts and how much is available for the eye. A low level points to KCS. Your vet may also use a fluorescein stain to check the eyes for abrasions or ulcerations. A sample of aqueous fluid may be taken to measure the bacterial growth in the eye and whether there may be an underlying infection as well.

Treatment of dry eye typically involves topical medications like artificial tears and lubricants that will be necessary in most cases for the rest of your pet’s life. If an underlying disease, allergy or infection is identified as the cause of the dry eye, it will also need to be treated.

Owners of pets with KCS need to keep the eyes clean and free of discharge. Animals with very poor tear production will need their eyes lubricated many times each day. While these pets can become high maintenance in terms of keeping their eyes moist, it’s the only way to keep your companion feeling comfortable.

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