Introduction

Dry eye, or KCS (keratoconjunctivitis sicca), is an eye disease in cats that might not seem like that big a deal when boiled down to its essence: The inability to produce tears. But since the tears act as a cleansing device for the eyes, their absence means big problems, from painful infections all the way to blindness.

What to Watch for

Cat owners should know what to look for in their cats when considering the possible existence of dry eye. The most obvious warning sign is a thick yellow-green discharge of mucous that forms at the corner of the eyes. Inflammation of certain parts of the eye, like the thin membrane that lines the eyelid or the cornea, could also occur.

But a cat might let his owner know all by itself. That’s because the pain and discomfort caused by dry eye will likely lead to the cat constantly pawing at the eyes in a futile attempt at some relief. That should be a telltale sign that the cat should be taken to see a veterinarian.

Symptoms of Dry Eye in Cats

Some of the common symptoms of Dry Eye include:

• Discharge
• Swelling of the eyelids
• Red eye membranes
• Rubbing of the face
• Sensitivity to light
• Eye(s) swelling shut due to eyelid spasms

If left untreated, KCS can permanently affect vision.

The keratitis often progresses to a corneal ulceration or a loss of the protective layers of the cornea covering the eye surface. Eventually, new blood vessels form right on the usually transparent cornea, and sometimes pigmentation develops there as well.