Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (KCS or Dry Eye)

One of the most common clinical signs for dry eye is a mucoid discharge covering the eye (Image Source)

Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca, also called KCS, is a condition that affects the eye. It is a very long name for dry eye. This means the patient is not producing enough tears. Our eyes are constantly bathed in tears in order to keep the cornea healthy. Without tear production the eyes can become very painful and lead to other diseases as well as decrease in vision.

 

Different stages of dry eye in our pets (Image Source)

There are many causes for KCS. This could include an immune mediated process where the body is not allowing proper tear production or destroying the cells that would produce tears. Other possibilities include viral infections, some medications, metabolic diseases (think hypothyroidism, diabetes or Cushing’s disease). Some breeds are also pre-disposed to this condition. These would include English bull dogs, Westies, pugs, cocker spaniels, schnauzers and Pekingese.

 

This Shirmer Tear test is showing great tear production! (Image Source)

Symptoms include painful or squinting eyes, red eyes, and a thick green mucoid discharge covering both eyes. Many times there will be vessels on covering the surface of the cornea as well. In extreme cases the eye can become so dry it leads to the formation of a corneal ulcer, which is very painful. The most common way to confirm diagnosis is to perform a Schirmer Tear Test. This measures the ability of the eye to produce tears. Normal production is > 15mm/ minute.

Management includes eye medication (Image Source)

Treatment is typically life long and depends on the severity of the condition. In early stages it is possible to just use artificial tears or saline to replace the tears. As the condition starts to progress there are medications that can be placed in the eye on a tail bases that stimulate tear production. Without treatment, the condition will continue to worsen and our pets will become even more uncomfortable and possibly lose their eye sight. For more information on this condition you can visit the following website here.