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A. The tear film is the liquid coating of the cornea or clear anatomical structure of the eye. As the cornea is an avascular structure with no direct blood supply, it requires the tear film for lubrication and nutrition which are crucial to eye health. If there is an abnormal tear film or a decrease in its three components, ocular surface disease occurs.
B. The tear film is composed of three integrated layers that work closely together. A disruption in one or more of these layers, greatly affects the quality of the others.
1. Lipid layer - thin oily outer layer secreted by the Meibomian glands at the margin of the eyelids. This layer prevents evaporation of the middle aqueous layer.
2. Aqueous layer - thicker middle layer secreted by the orbital and third eyelid
lacrimal (tear) glands. This layer provides the necessary nutrients and oxygen needed for a health cornea.
3. Mucin (mucous) layer - thin inner layer secreted by the goblet cells of the conjunctival tissues. This layer provides a smooth ocular surface (for improved vision) and attracts the aqueous layer to the eye surface.
2. What are some clinical signs of tear film disease/dysfunction in dogs and cats:
1. Squinting (increased blinking frequency or holding the eye closed) 2. Rubbing of the eye or face
3. Epiphora (tearing)
4. Thickened and sometimes colored ocular discharge
5. Red eye (irritation and redness of the conjunctival tissues)
6. Corneal scarring (fibrosis or pigmentation)
7. Corneal erosion or ulceration (a wound of the corneal surface)
8. Decreased vision
3. What are some clinical conditions or eye diseases that can adversely affect the tear film?
A. Eyelid inflammation - allergies, self-trauma (rubbing), infections, tumors.
B. Eyelid surgery - cryotherapy, mass/tumor removal.
C. Corneal inflammation - dry eye, breed-related exposure, immune mediated
(Pannus).
D. Corneal surgery - corneal grafting surgeries.
E. Cataract surgery
F. Conjunctival inflammation - infections (feline - herpesvirus, mycoplasma,
chlamydia), Pannus, dry eye.
G. Conjunctival surgery - mass removals, biopsies, conjunctival grafting.
4. How can Vizoovet help my pet?
If your pet has been diagnosed and suffers from an abnormal tear film, Vizoovet may be able to help! This product normalizes the bodies natural tear film improving the overall health of the ocular surface and may minimize the clinical symptoms of disease. Please consult your veterinarian or veterinary ophthalmologist and ask if Vizoovet is a good choice for your pet.
Vizoovet IS Safe For All Species
Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), or dry eye, is an ocular condition commonly diagnosed in dogs. It is less common in other species. Keratoconjunctivitis sicca results most often from an inadequate quantity of tears or a deficient quality of tears. Tears are produced by the lacrimal, or tear gland, and the gland of the third eyelid. Tears are needed to provide lubrication and nutrition to the cornea, as well as remove debris and/or infectious agents from the eye.
The most common cause of KCS in the dog is immune mediated inflammation of the tear glands. Other causes of KCS include but are not limited to:
Certain breeds are more likely to develop KCS, suggesting there is a genetic basis. Commonly affected breeds include the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, English Bulldog, Lhasa Apso, Pug, Shih Tzu, and West Highland White Terrier. However, regardless of breed, any dog can be affected with KCS.
The most common clinical signs of KCS include painful, red eyes, with thick mucoid discharge. Dry eye most commonly occurs in both eyes, and some animals may develop secondary corneal ulceration or bacterial conjunctivitis. Corneal ulceration with secondary infection can lead to loss of an eye. Chronic, uncontrolled dry eye may also lead to corneal pigmentation, vascularization, and scarring, which may lead to visual impairment.
Several important diagnostic tests are involved in diagnosis of KCS. The most important test involves looking at the corneal surface cells and tear film with an instrument called a biomicroscope. Paper test strips called Schirmer Tear Test strips may also be utilized to quantify tear production from both eyes. If your pet has a normal tear quantity but has clinical signs of KCS, your veterinary ophthalmologist may also perform a tear film break-up time test to support a diagnosis of a qualitative tear film deficiency.
Treatment of KCS includes daily lifelong administration of topical tear stimulant medication. These medications reduce inflammation, as well as stimulate natural tear production. They are typically administered two to three times daily and are safe to give long term. Specific dosing instructions will be made by your veterinary ophthalmologist. Concurrent use of tear replacement lubricating drops may help improve comfort for many pets.
The majority of dogs respond favorably to drops, but in severe cases of KCS that are poorly responsive to medical management, a surgical procedure called a parotid duct transposition may be recommended. The procedure involves redirecting the parotid salivary duct from the mouth to the eye in order to provide salivary secretions to the cornea. Parotid duct transposition often results in a more comfortable patient with less chance of corneal ulceration.
Early diagnosis with lifelong treatment, as well as routine follow-up examinations is of paramount importance for patients with KCS. In the majority of dogs, prognosis can be excellent for long-term comfort and maintenance of vision.