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Tears are an important body fluid, that provides lubrication to the eyeballs, and flush out bacteria, allergens and small particles. They also have a few important roles that are less well known.
Tears are also antibacterial and even supply oxygen, sugars and nutrients to the eyeball.
Keratoconjunctivitis, or dry eye, is a condition affecting the eyes, where the reduction in tear production leaves the eye dry and irritated.
Tears are composed of three layers, which create a moist film over the eyeball. The base layer is a mucous layer, the middle layer is an aqueous, or watery layer, and the top layer is a lipid, or oily layer.
These different layers are all produced from different glands and cells.
In a Normal and healthy eye, these layers of tears are produced together, In Keratoconjunctivitis sicca, there is a reduction of the middle water layer.
This watery middle layer makes up around 95% of the volume of normal tears, so by reducing this component, the tears are thicker, and less lubricating. The thicker, more viscous consistency can lead to a thick build-up of gunk or mucous around the eye.
The eyeball becomes irritated and the cornea can become cloudy due to the irritation of the eyelid rubbing against it with insufficient lubrication. Infections are more likely, as the irritants and bacteria are not flushed from the eye.
Causes of dry eye
There can be many causes of dry eye. Most commonly, an autoimmune condition, where the immune system has become dysfunctional and has started to attack the cells that produce the watery layer. Injury to the tear glands can also be from infection, or injury. Occasionally it can also occur due to viral infection, such as distemper or as a reaction to drugs, hypothyroidism and allergies.
There is also a predisposition to dry eye in some dog breeds, which
indicate it may have a genetic factor.
Symptoms of Dry Eye in dogs
• Cloudy or discoloured eyeball.
• The eyes look dry and dull, with no sheen
• Frequent eye infections
• The eyes look irritated, with frequent blinking, or squinting
• A gunky discharge around the eye, in the eyelashes and corner of the eye.
• Eyes look painful, red and irritated.
How can we help dogs that are suffering from dry eye?
The aims of holistic management of dry eye, is to reduce the inflammation and irritation of the eyes, whilst also providing an artificial tear, and healing the bodies ability to restore tear production. In the case of autoimmune conditions, the immune system is addressed, reducing the ongoing immune attack of tear producing cells.
In some cases, the cells within the lacrimal glands (where the water component of
tears are produced) can be so damaged, and proper tear function cannot be fully restored.
Nutrients and supplements that can help Dry Eye
Vitamin C and zinc are important for tissue repair and clearing infections. Zinc can help to reduce scaring, and improve tissue function, reduce inflammation.
Fish oil is a natural anti-inflammatory, and source of omega 3 fatty acids. These essential fatty acids are an important component of tear production.
Turmeric- a systemic anti-inflammatory and antioxidant
Quercetin- used when an allergy is involved. Anti-inflammatory
Vitamin D- anti-inflammatory, and help to reduce autoimmunity
An herbal eye wash can help to reduce infection and inflammation.
Eyebaths are great to wash the gunk form the eye and eyelash, and to flush the eye. Tea made from equal parts
• Chamomile
• Eyebright
• Calendula
• Fennel
Make into a tea, allow to cool. Bathe eyes twice a day. This tea can also be added to food, and will offer anti-inflammatory and decongestant effects. The remainder of the tea should be discarded and made fresh daily.
Black tea can also be used as an eye wash.
A low allergenic diet can help to reduce immune reactivity.
Any autoimmune condition is a systemic condition, and the use of topical treatments in the eye, will only ever treat the symptoms.
To prevent further damage, the over active component of the immune system needs to be brought back into balance.
Immune modulating herbs that balance the immune system include hemidesmus, shiitaki, tyophora and perilla.
A natural species specific diet, following an autoimmune protocol is also important to promote better general health and normalise immune function.
Do you have a dog that suffers from Dry eye? let me know what your experience with this has been.
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