Effective Tips for Removing Cat Eye Smudges: Quick & Ea

What is Epiphora?

Epiphora refers to a condition where tears overflow from the eyes. Normally, tears are produced by the lacrimal glands around the eyes and are supposed to drain through the nasolacrimal ducts into the nasal cavity. However, if there is an excess of tears or a blockage in the nasolacrimal ducts, the tears cannot flow into the nose and instead spill over the eyelids, leading to epiphora. Epiphora can be categorized into functional and organic types.

What Causes Epiphora?

Epiphora often occurs due to abnormal positioning of the lacrimal puncta, such as narrow or blocked puncta. Other factors include inflammation, tumors, trauma, foreign objects, congenital atresia, drug toxicity, and more, which can lead to narrowing or blockage of the tear ducts. Additionally, relaxation of the orbicularis oculi muscles around the lacrimal sac can reduce or eliminate the function of the tear pump, causing difficulties in tear elimination and leading to functional epiphora.

Why Do Tears Turn Brown and Form Stains?

Tears contain porphyrins, which are ironcontaining metabolic waste products produced when red blood cells break down. When tears remain on lightcolored fur for a period, the porphyrins can be oxidized by air, causing them to change color, especially when exposed to sunlight, which can deepen the color.

Causes of Epiphora in Cats:

1. Excessive Salt Intake: Feeding cats human food, which often contains high levels of salt.

2. High Salt Content in Cat Food or Treats: Some cat foods or canned foods have excessive salt content, which can be resolved by switching to a suitable cat food.

3. Heat: A condition known as "nasal sinus" due to stagnation of the gallbladder meridian, causing nasal congestion and dry throat.

4. Disease: Conditions such as ear infections, conjunctivitis, and respiratory infections can lead to excessive tear production and epiphora.

5. Nasolacrimal Duct Blockage: Inflammation and swelling of the nasolacrimal ducts can cause blockage or partial blockage, preventing tears from draining normally.

6. Entropion: Inverted eyelids, also known as eyelash inversion, can cause eyelashes to constantly irritate the cornea, leading to discomfort and excessive tearing.

7. Dacryoadenitis: Infection of the lacrimal glands can cause excessive tear production and epiphora.

8. Feline Herpesvirus: This virus can cause conjunctivitis and tracheitis, leading to excessive tear and mucus production.

9. Genetic Defects: Some cat breeds, such as brachycephalic breeds, have naturally short noses and narrow, twisted nasolacrimal ducts, making it difficult for tears to drain.

10. Air Pollution: Excessive dust or formaldehyde in cat litter can cause abnormal tear secretion.

How to Reduce Cat Tear Stains:

1. Reduce Salt Intake: Control the diet and reduce salt intake. Choose a suitable cat food and avoid feeding your cat human food or highsalt treats.

2. Increase Water Intake: Provide a suitable drinking environment for your cat and encourage them to drink more water, which can help eliminate metabolic waste and prevent tear stains.

3. Supplement Taurine: Taurine can help break down and excrete porphyrins, reducing the amount of porphyrins in tears and thus reducing tear stains.

4. Seek Veterinary Advice: If your cat has persistent tear stains, consult an online veterinary professional or take your pet to a veterinary hospital for further diagnosis and treatment.

How to Treat Cat Tear Stains:

1. Remove Stained Fur: Depending on the severity of the tear stains, trim the fur around the stains using rounded scissors to prevent injury to your cat.

2. Clean the Stains: Use a damp cloth or cotton swab to wipe away the tear stains or dried eye discharge. If necessary, use boric acid solution or vaseline to clean the area.

3. Gently Clean the Ears: While cleaning the tears, check for inflammation or dark, greasy secretions in the ears and use a cotton swab dipped in ear cleaning solution to clean them.