Healthy Cats

Dry Eye (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca) in Cats

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When damage to the lacrimal glands leaves little or no functioning tissue, cyclosporin is not likely to be effective. This is also true if your cat’s problem does not have an immune basis. Artificial tears (drops and ointments) prescribed by your veterinarian must then be instilled into the cat’s eyes several times a day for life. Ointments are less expensive and do not need to be applied as frequently as drops. Saline drops should not be used because they aggravate the problem by washing away the lipid layer of the tear film.

Surgical treatment can be considered as a last resort, when medical management fails. The operation involves transplanting the duct of the parotid salivary gland up into the corner of the eye. The saliva takes the place of the tears. The operation has several significant disadvantages. One is that the volume of tears may be more than the drainage system can handle. This can result in a watery eye and the accumulation of mineral deposits on the cornea and face.