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What causes keratoconjunctivitis sicca or dry eye in cats?

What causes keratoconjunctivitis sicca or dry eye in cats?

Some of the common causes of KCS include: Immune-mediated diseases that damage the tear producing glands. The body’s immune system attacks the cells that produce a portion of the tear film resulting in decreased production.

What does corneal ulceration look like in cats?

Corneal ulceration is often present. In chronic cases, there may be a history of eye injury, ulcers, or conjunctivitis. These cats may develop corneal scarring called hyperpigmentation that can be seen on close observation. Corneal scarring often looks like a dark film covering the eyes.

Where does the discharge from the eye come from?

The eyes are complex structures with multiple components that can be involved in conditions that cause eye discharge symptoms. A thin see-through tissue, the conjunctiva, covers the front of the eye and the inner eyelids. Just below the conjunctiva is the cornea, a curved transparent structure overlying the iris and pupil.

What are the clinical signs of dry eye in cats?

Nervous system effects of an inner ear infection. What are the clinical signs of dry eye? Most cats with KCS have painful, red and irritated eyes. They often squint, blink excessively or hold the eyes shut.

Some of the common causes of KCS include: Immune-mediated diseases that damage the tear producing glands. The body’s immune system attacks the cells that produce a portion of the tear film resulting in decreased production.

Corneal ulceration is often present. In chronic cases, there may be a history of eye injury, ulcers, or conjunctivitis. These cats may develop corneal scarring called hyperpigmentation that can be seen on close observation. Corneal scarring often looks like a dark film covering the eyes.

The eyes are complex structures with multiple components that can be involved in conditions that cause eye discharge symptoms. A thin see-through tissue, the conjunctiva, covers the front of the eye and the inner eyelids. Just below the conjunctiva is the cornea, a curved transparent structure overlying the iris and pupil.

Nervous system effects of an inner ear infection. What are the clinical signs of dry eye? Most cats with KCS have painful, red and irritated eyes. They often squint, blink excessively or hold the eyes shut.