Optimmune eye ointment helps dogs with immune-mediated dry eye produce more of their own tears. It contains ciclosporin, which reduces the immune activity responsible for damage to the tear-producing glands. By addressing that process, Optimmune supports tear production and helps control inflammation on the surface of the eye. It is also licensed for chronic superficial keratitis, commonly called pannus. Optimmune is supplied in a 3.5g tube and requires a veterinary prescription.
Dry eye, or keratoconjunctivitis sicca, develops when the eye does not have enough of the watery component of tears. Tears do much more than make the eye look bright: they lubricate the surface, wash away debris and help protect delicate tissue. Without sufficient tears, a dog may develop sticky discharge, redness and discomfort. Owners sometimes mistake the discharge for a simple infection, but treating an infection alone will not correct inadequate tear production. A veterinary eye examination h...
Optimmune eye ointment helps dogs with immune-mediated dry eye produce more of their own tears. It contains ciclosporin, which reduces the immune activity responsible for damage to the tear-producing glands. By addressing that process, Optimmune supports tear production and helps control inflammation on the surface of the eye. It is also licensed for chronic superficial keratitis, commonly called pannus. Optimmune is supplied in a 3.5g tube and requires a veterinary prescription.
Dry eye, or keratoconjunctivitis sicca, develops when the eye does not have enough of the watery component of tears. Tears do much more than make the eye look bright: they lubricate the surface, wash away debris and help protect delicate tissue. Without sufficient tears, a dog may develop sticky discharge, redness and discomfort. Owners sometimes mistake the discharge for a simple infection, but treating an infection alone will not correct inadequate tear production. A veterinary eye examination helps distinguish between these problems.
Optimmune contains 2mg of ciclosporin per gram of ointment, equivalent to 0.2%. In immune-mediated dry eye, the dog's immune system attacks the tissue that produces tears. Ciclosporin helps control that response, allowing functioning tear tissue to work more effectively. This is different from adding artificial tears, which lubricate the surface but do not address the immune process. A vet may use both during the early stages of treatment, particularly when the eye needs extra lubrication while the response to Optimmune develops.
An improvement in tear production can begin within about ten days, although the full effect may take up to six weeks. Optimmune therefore needs consistent use rather than occasional application when the eye looks sore. Many dogs with dry eye need lifelong treatment. A brighter-looking eye or less discharge can be encouraging, but these changes do not show exactly how much tear fluid the eye is making. Follow-up examinations and tear measurements help your vet judge the response and decide whether any additional treatment is needed.
Optimmune is usually applied every twelve hours. A small ribbon of ointment goes inside the lower eyelid, where blinking helps spread it over the eye. Remove excessive discharge gently with a suitable non-irritating solution before application, as directed by your vet. Wear gloves and keep the nozzle from touching the eye or surrounding surfaces. Squeeze the tube gently from the bottom without rolling or folding it; damaging the tube can cause ointment to escape. The tube contains 3.5g despite having space inside it, so some air is normal.
Pannus is another condition for which Optimmune may be used. It affects the cornea and can cause progressive changes that threaten its clarity. It needs veterinary assessment and monitoring, just as dry eye does. Optimmune is not suitable when a fungal or viral eye infection is suspected, and it must not be used during pregnancy. A newly painful eye, marked squinting or sudden cloudiness needs prompt veterinary attention. VetDispense supplies Optimmune against a valid veterinary prescription, with the treatment plan overseen by your dog's vet.
Optimmune helps control the immune response affecting the tear glands and encourages natural tear production. It also reduces associated inflammation, making it more than a simple lubricating ointment.
Yes. These are two ways of expressing the same ciclosporin concentration. Each gram of ointment contains 2mg of ciclosporin; the tube holds 3.5g of ointment.
Tear production may start to improve in around ten days, with the maximum response taking up to six weeks. Your vet can measure the response rather than relying only on visible changes.
Many dogs with immune-mediated dry eye need ongoing treatment. Stopping it can quickly reduce the improvement in tear production, so any change should be agreed with your vet.
Neither. Its active ingredient, ciclosporin, is an immunomodulatory medicine. Other eye medicines may be needed for separate problems such as infection, depending on the examination findings.
Pannus is chronic superficial keratitis, a condition affecting the corneal surface. Optimmune is licensed to treat it, but the diagnosis and ongoing treatment need veterinary supervision.
