Friends who wear contact lenses may have experienced that their eyes will become super dry after wearing them for a long time. The moment I took off my contact lenses, I suddenly came back to life.

In fact, some dogs also have the same troubles, but what tortures them is incurable dry eye syndrome. If left untreated, it can also cause them to become completely blind. So what exactly is dry eye syndrome?

What is dry eye syndrome?

Dry eye syndrome is caused by reduced tear gland function or loss of tear gland function, resulting in insufficient tear quantity or quality and eye lesions. Tears secreted by normal lacrimal glands have functions such as protection, sterilization, cleaning the eyes, moisturizing the cornea, immunity, and providing nutrients to the cornea. Dry eye syndrome can cause a dog's eyes to become red and swollen, with excessive eye feces and eye secretions, and the whites of the eyes may be congested, and may even produce thick yellow secretions. At the same time, the cornea may be scabbed and develop pigmentation.

In more severe cases, angiogenesis may occur, which is the growth of blood vessels on the surface of the cornea. In severe cases of scabbing, the dog's vision will be damaged, and the eyes will look dim and dull due to dry corneas, losing the dog's original watery eyes. Pigmentation, angiogenesis and other conditions are irreversible. It should be noted that dogs are likely to become permanently blind after these conditions occur.

In the early stages of dry eye syndrome, dogs only have red eyes and increased eye feces, but this is often considered to be a sign of internal heat and is ignored. If dry eye syndrome is not treated in time, it may cause corneal lesions, which will continue to worsen over time until blindness, and there is a threat of corneal ulcer damage or even perforation.

Causes of dry eye syndrome in dogs

There are many causes of dry eye, and innate immune diseases are the most common cause. These diseases may cause damage to the tear glands, reducing tear production. As a result, a tear film cannot form to protect the cornea. In addition, systemic diseases such as thyroid insufficiency, nerve damage, canine distemper virus infection, autoimmune diseases, sexual dysfunction in the elderly, and long-term use of sulfonamide eye drops can also cause dry eye in dogs. In addition, some dogs are also at high risk of dry eye syndrome, such as Shih Tzu, Yorkshire Terrier, Pug, West Highland White Terrier, English Bulldog and Cocker Spaniel. Dry eye syndrome can also lead to other eye conditions, such as recurring eye infections, eye injuries, and conjunctivitis.

Treatment methods for dog dry eye

Dry eye syndrome is an inflammation of the tear ducts, which will only continue to degenerate over time and cannot be cured. However, the condition can be alleviated through the following three methods. 1. Local immunomodulatory eye drops

Cyclosporine was first used in human organ transplant procedures.During surgery, drugs are used to prevent rejection reactions; they can suppress the immune system and destroy its own tissues, promote tear gland secretion, and regulate abnormal immune responses.

　2. Artificial tears

Choosing the right artificial tears is very helpful in moisturizing, cleaning and protecting the cornea. It can also relieve the symptoms of dryness. Artificial tears need to be dripped on the dog every 2-6 hours. Artificial tears must be used for a long time, so owners are advised not to choose artificial tears containing benzalkonium chloride (BAC or BKC) preservatives. 3. Antibiotics

The use of topical eye antibiotics can reduce the occurrence of eye discharge and infection.

In addition to applying eye drops regularly every day, owners can also use a warm towel to gently clean around the dog’s eyes. In addition to preventing excessive secretions from irritating the eyes, it can also stimulate the production of tear films. Big, bright eyes are a dog’s “big killer”, so owners must protect them~