Cherry eye is the common name for a condition that can affect one or both of a dog’s third eyelids, which are technically called nictitating membranes. Nictitating membranes are thin, opaque sheets of tissue that in their normal position are seated underneath the lower eyelids and are not visible. They are closely associated with glandular tissue that contributes to tear production, which is essential to keep the eyes adequately lubricated. The third eyelids also serve to protect the sensitive cornea from physical damage. When the fibrous tissue attachments that anchor the nictitating membranes to the lower eyelids become weakened or loose, the associated tear glands can “pop out” (medically referred to as everting or prolapsing) and become visible as red masses bulging outward from the lower inside corners of the dog’s eye. This condition can look alarming – especially because it typically occurs suddenly. Thankfully, cherry eye usually can be treated successfully with a combination of topical medication and surgery.
The precise causes of cherry eye are not well understood. Anatomically, each eye of domestic dogs contains a nictitating membrane - commonly referred to as a “third eyelid” – which hides beneath the lower eyelid and normally is not visible to owners or to others. Tear glands are located around the cartilage connections of the nictitating membranes, providing a major source of tear film and eye lubrication. However, if the fibrous tissues that hold the
Cherry eye can occur in just one of a dog’s eyes (unilaterally) or in both eyes (bilaterally). Dogs that develop cherry eye usually have symptoms associated with ocular irritation, dryness, redness (conjunctivitis), swelling, inflammation and/or other causes of pain. Affected dogs tend to scratch or paw at their eyes as a result of the discomfort, and sometimes they are seen rubbing their faces along the grass or indoor carpeting in an apparent attempt to relieve
Cherry eye is a fairly common condition in certain breeds of dogs and is not particularly difficult to diagnose. In fact, diagnosis is almost always made based simply upon a veterinarian’s physical examination of the animal; the presence of a glandular tissue mass protruding from the inner corner of a dog’s eye is diagnostic of cherry eye. No special tests are needed to confirm that the tear gland associated with a dog’s nictitating membrane (third
Prolapse of the gland of the nictitating membrane or third eyelid - commonly called “cherry eye” - should be treated as quickly as possible. The condition itself is not usually dangerous to dogs. However, effective treatment is necessary to reduce the risk of more serious secondary eye problems, including trauma to the cornea. The longer that the glandular tissue is out of place and exposed to the elements, the more inflamed, irritated, damaged and possibly