I-Drop and I-Lid Relieve Dry Eye and Tear Stains

The eyes are important and delicate structures that require extra attention to keep them healthy. An essential part of your dog or cat’s annual check-up is the eye exam. Since our pets cannot tell us about vision changes, it’s important to report any problems or concerns to your veterinarian. Many eye diseases are time-sensitive and may require prompt treatment to prevent them from worsening. Fortunately, some eye conditions can be managed or treated when caught in the early stages. Learn more about tears, dry eye, tear staining, and I-Drop Vet eye products on our blog below.

Why are Tears Important?

Continuous tear production and distribution is essential to maintain a healthy eye. The tears clean the surface of the eye, keep the cornea hydrated and oxygenated, lubricate the eyelids, nourish tissue, and provide natural healing. Tears are produced by two different tear glands and spread across the eyes with each blink to keep them coated. Allergies, infections, genetics, hormone conditions, immune reactions, eye deformities, nerve damage, and certain medications may interfere with normal tear production.

Dry Eye

Dry eye, also called keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), occurs when the body does not produce enough tears or the tears cannot lubricate the eye normally. It can cause irritation, redness, inflammation, and discharge. When left untreated, dry eye can damage the surface of the eye known as the cornea. Furthermore, resulting in corneal ulcers and vision loss. KCS may be commonly caused by other diseases, immune system conditions, or medication. Certain breeds are more likely to develop dry eye, especially Brachycephalic cat and dog breeds with shortened snouts. Common warning signs of dry eye include:

  • Eye redness
  • Eye irritation and pain
  • Excessive squinting or blinking
  • Thick or mucous-like eye discharge
  • Tear staining
  • Accumulation of eye secretions or debris around the eyes and eyelids

If you suspect your dog or cat is having eye problems, talk with your veterinarian. Diagnosing dry eye or other conditions may involve an exam, a tear test, corneal staining, and checking eye pressure.

 Tear Stains

Tear stains appear as brown or reddish colored fur around the corner of eyes. Due to appearance, tear stains are often considered unpleasant, especially on light-colored dogs and cats. Staining may indicate an underlying medical condition, so it’s important to talk with your veterinarian. Common causes of tear stains may include natural tear pigment, genetics, abnormal tear production, eye malformations, infection, allergies or eye condition. To help prevent staining, try incorporating some facial hygiene and grooming practices into your pet’s routine. Trim hair around the eyes to prevent irritation and tearing. Flush debris and mucous away from the eyes with sterile eye drops or eye cleanser solution. Cleanse and dry the fur and skin on the face and muzzle, especially facial folds.

Regular check-ups with your veterinarian are important for catching signs of disease and allow you to discuss any concerns about your pet’s eye health.

I-Med offers a line of ophthalmic products for dogs and cats to hydrate, clean, and protect the eyes.

I-Drop Vet Gel at VetRxDirectI-Drop VET Gel

Provides superior relief for dogs and cats with moderate to severe chronic dry eye. This blink activated lubricating drop provides long-lasting hydration to the entire surface of the eye and stabilizes the tear film. This is a preservative-free solution and comes in a multi-dose bottle.

 

 

I-Drop Vet Plus at VetRxDirectI-Drop VET Plus

Provides immediate relief and lasting comfort for dogs and cats with acute or seasonal dry eye conditions. This blink activated, lubricating drop coats the entire surface of the eye with every blink. I-Drop Vet continually hydrates and supports the tear film and requires fewer applications.

 

 

I-Lid N Lash at VetRxDirectI-Lid N Lash Cleanser & Wipes

This no-rinse cleanser removes residue, eye secretions, and crusts away from the eyelids, lashes, and facial areas. It helps prevent the formation of tear stains, as well as removing debris. Also, I-Lid N Lash provides hygienic cleansing and prevents facial fold odors. Choose wipes or liquid pump.

 

How to Remove Pet Tear Stains


Getting Rid of Tear Stains
Imaging walking around day and night with dark goo streaked down your cheeks serving as a breeding ground for bacteria and yeast. As unpleasant as this may sound to us humans, our canine friends commonly experience rheum, otherwise known as “tear stains”.Tear stains are a reddish-brown discharge causing unsightly discoloration around the eyes and is often extremely irritating for both dogs and cats. This excessive tearing condition is frequent amongst smaller breeds with short snouts and shallow eye sockets, and especially noticeable on dog breeds with light-colored fur. Poodle, Chihuahua, and Maltese breeds in particular are notably prone to this affliction, particularly when they are puppies undergoing their teething stage.

Thankfully though, it is fairly easy to remove these unsightly and irritating marks at home.

Home Remedies for Tear Stains
To prevent discolored marking of your pet’s hair, wipe away at newly formed muck using cotton swabs dipped in warm water two times a day. Try softening up your pet’s fur beforehand using baby wipes, which should make brushing out the crust a little easier. It also helps to keep the hairs around your pet’s eyes trimmed to keep tangles and unnecessary eye-irritation at a minimum. Be extra careful working around your pet’s eyes, as they are extremely sensitive.

It is also advisable to consider scheduling an appointment with your veterinarian if the problem continues to persist over time. While tearing occurs naturally, it can also be a symptom of greater problems, including ear infections, clogged tear ducts, allergies, and/or gum disease.

For stronger tear stain relief and protection for your pet, VetRxDirect currently offers the following popular medications on sale now!

Popular Tear Stain Medications Available at VetRxDirect

Tear Stain
Removes tear stains near the eyes as well as prevents new stains from forming.

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Diamond Eye
Helps to prevent tear stains and safely cleans the area beneath and around the eyes. Works for all breeds of dogs and cats.

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Angels’ Eyes Natural
All natural solution for dogs and cats that removes tear stains near the eye region and helps prevent new stains from forming.

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