Mark Dry Eye Awareness Month with Remend™ Eye Care
It is not just humans recognising July as Dry Eye Awareness Month. Bayer Animal Health has launched Remend™ Dry Eye Lubricant Drops for dogs provide long-lasting moisture and lubrication for the eyes, and can help to alleviate the signs of Dry Eye when used twice daily.
Dry Eye, also called Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) is a common eye disease of dogs, that occurs when the tear glands are not able to produce the normal amount of tears.
Tears play an essential role in keeping the eyes healthy; they provide lubrication to keep the eye comfortable, help protect the eye against infection, and help to wash away any irritating particles that come into contact with the eye. The condition is painful; without tears, eyes feel dry and irritated and are more prone to infections and ulcers. In the longer term this can lead to pigmentation and scarring of the eye surface, and eventually even blindness.
The most common cause of Dry Eye (also calledkeratoconjunctivitis sicca, or KCS), is destruction of the tear glands by the dog’s own immune system.
Dry Eye is common, affecting approximately 1 in every 22 dogs. Any breed of dog can suffer from the condition; however there are certain breeds of dog in which Dry Eye is more common.
Which breeds are more susceptible to Dry Eye?
In susceptible breeds, such as those shown, ophthalmologists recommend routine testing for dry eye, as early diagnosis is likely to lead to a more successful outcome. Testing is quick and painless and can be carried out at a routine appointment, such as a vaccination.
What are the symptoms of Dry Eye?
Dry Eye symptoms can be variable, and may be subtle in the early stages of the disease. They can include:
- A dry or dull appearance of the eyes.
- Signs of discomfort such as excessive blinking or rubbing at the eyes.
- Discharge from the eyes.
- Repeated episodes of conjunctivitis or corneal ulcers.
- Redness of the eye.
How can Remend™ help?
Remend™ Dry Eye Lubricant drops is a tear supplement that can be used as part of the overall management of Dry Eye. The drops contain hyaluronic acid, which is a naturally occurring molecule found throughout the body in both people and dogs, where it acts as the body’s natural lubricant. In this formulation, the drops help to alleviate the symptoms associated with KCS, by providing long-lasting moisture and lubrication to the eyes.
How often should Remend™ be applied?
Remend™ Dry Eye Lubricant Drops should be applied 2 times each day, and may be applied up to 4 times each day if needed, to alleviate the signs of dry eyes. Tear supplements play a crucial role in the management of dry eye, but should not be seen as an alternative to prescription products. Using a tear supplement, such as Remend™, alongside a prescription treatment gives the best chance of managing the condition successfully.
Contact your Bayer Veterinary Business Manager or email ah.marketing@bayer.com to request a Remend™ Practice Pack.
