Shih Tzu Dry Eye
Dry eye, also called keratoconjunctivitis sicca, occurs when the eye does not produce enough healthy tears. In a Shih Tzu, the first visible clue may be thick discharge that keeps returning after the face is cleaned. Redness, squinting, rubbing, a dull-looking cornea, or recurring ulcers may follow as the surface loses protection.
This is not simply a cosmetic tear-stain problem. Untreated dry eye can be painful and can damage vision. Diagnosis requires a veterinary eye examination and a tear-production test.
Common Dry-Eye Clues
- Thick, sticky, yellowish, or stringy discharge
- Redness that returns after cleaning
- Frequent blinking, squinting, or face rubbing
- A dry, dull, cloudy, or pigmented eye surface
Urgent Eye Signs
- Sudden severe squinting or inability to open the eye
- Blue, white, or cloudy change to the cornea
- Known scratch, impact, or chemical exposure
- Rapid vision change or marked swelling
How Dry Eye Is Diagnosed
A Schirmer tear test measures tear production using a small sterile strip. The veterinarian may also stain the cornea to look for ulcers and examine the eyelids, lashes, and surface for other sources of irritation. Both eyes are usually tested because severity can differ.
Dry eye may be immune-mediated, medication-related, nerve-related, or associated with other disease. The treatment plan depends on the cause and the health of the cornea at diagnosis.
Daily Care After Diagnosis
- Give every prescribed drop or ointment on schedule.
- Wash hands before and after handling eye medication.
- Keep the applicator tip from touching hair or the eye.
- Soften and wipe discharge gently with a clean damp pad.
- Keep facial hair trimmed away from the eye surface.
- Attend rechecks so tear production and corneal health can be measured.
Why Long-Term Treatment Matters
Many cases require lifelong medication that stimulates tear production, replaces moisture, or controls inflammation. The eye may look better before tear production is adequate. Stopping medication without guidance can allow pain and surface damage to return.
Rechecks are not optional maintenance. They show whether the treatment is working and whether scar tissue, pigment, infection, or ulceration is developing.
Cleaning Without Irritating the Eye
Use a soft, clean, damp cloth or pad to loosen discharge around the eyelids. Do not scrape dried material, use cosmetic whitening products near the eye, or place unapproved drops into the eye. Separate pads for each eye can reduce cross-contamination when discharge is present.
Dry-Eye Questions
Can dry eye cause tear stains?
It can contribute to discharge and staining, but staining alone cannot diagnose dry eye.
Can I use human artificial tears?
Only with veterinary guidance. Some products are unsuitable, and lubricants do not replace treatment that stimulates tear production when that is needed.
Why are rechecks needed if the eye looks normal?
Appearance does not reliably show tear production or microscopic corneal damage. Testing confirms control.