Animal Health Solutions

26 Covetrus | covetrus.com A D V E RTO R I A L The high cost of ocular irritation Many pets experience everyday ocular irritation linked to environmental exposure, breed conformation, aging changes, or tear film instability. In these cases, regular use of a suitable ocular lubricant can help maintain comfort and provide a practical home-care option for pets prone to irritation. However, proactive lubrication isn't just about comfort or convenience. It's a clinical intervention that can have longer-term ocular health benefits. While the initial signs of less acute conditions may appear subtle, the long-term consequences of such ocular irritation can be cumulative. Left unmanaged, the vicious circle of inflammation and mechanical friction from blinking can progress to permanent eye injuries, such as corneal scarring, gland destruction, and permanent lid adhesions. 1 Breaking the cycle of ocular damage Recognizing irritation is the first step in providing relief. Some cases present with obvious signs such as squinting or redness, while others may not be apparent during a routine examination. Common indicators include blepharospasm, facial rubbing or pawing, persistent discharge, partial eye closure, and conjunctival hyperemia or conjunctivitis without obvious infection. Here's when (and how) proactive lubrication can help play a supportive role in pet ocular health: Dry eye KCS remains one of the most common reasons to recommend lubrication. While many cases require medical therapy, lubricants provide important supportive care, particularly when treatment is delayed or used alongside prescribed medications. Regular application helps maintain ocular surface health and reduces the risk of secondary complications. Environmental allergies Allergic conjunctivitis affects a large proportion of atopic dogs, 2 and the ocular surface often bears the brunt of ongoing environmental triggers. Pollen, dust, mold, and household allergens can all contribute to persistent inflammation and irritation. While managing the underlying allergy is the primary goal, the eyes frequently remain vulnerable even with systemic treatment underway. Proactive lubrication serves as an important supportive measure in these cases, helping to flush irritants from the ocular surface, reduce friction, and maintain the integrity of the tear film. Regular application of a veterinary- grade lubricant can also help minimize the risk of secondary complications, such as corneal microtrauma from repeated rubbing or pawing — a common behavior in atopic patients. Ocular Lubrication: The Missing Link in Multimodal Eye Care How proactive care prevents minor irritation from becoming a major problem E yes are delicate and easily irritated in pets. While acute ophthalmic conditions are typically treated promptly, mild or chronic eye irritation can often be overlooked, despite having a clear impact on comfort and quality of life. In addition to topical cyclosporine, lubricating eye drops are commonly used to manage keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) or "dry eye" in pets. However, their value extends well beyond tear-deficiency disorders diagnosed according to Schirmer tear test (STT) scores.

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