Cherry Eye (Prolapsed Nictitans Gland)
A condition in which the tear-producing gland of the third eyelid prolapses and pops out of its normal anatomical pocket, appearing as a red fleshy mass.
💬 In Plain English
Cherry eye is the common term for a prolapsed gland of the third eyelid (nictitating membrane). Dogs and cats have a protective third eyelid hidden in the inner corner of their eyes that houses an important gland responsible for producing 35% to 50% of the eye’s watery tear film. In certain breeds (especially Bulldogs, Cocker Spaniels, Beagles, and Boston Terriers), the fibrous tissue anchor holding this gland in place is abnormally weak. When the anchor stretches or tears, the gland flips up and pops out of its pocket, swelling into a bright red, smooth, cherry-like mass. The gland should NEVER be surgically amputated; instead, a veterinary surgeon tucks it back into a surgical pocket.
🔬 Clinical & Technical Depth
For Vets & TechniciansFormal Clinical Definition
Eversion and prolapse of the accessory lacrimal gland of the nictitating membrane secondary to laxity of the ventral retinaculum, inducing secondary glandular hypertrophy, conjunctival hyperemia, and ocular discharge.
Why Veterinarians Use It
Veterinarians diagnose cherry eye on visual exam and advocate for surgical replacement (pocketing technique) rather than excision to prevent chronic keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye).
Clinical Context Encountered
Seen in young puppies between 3 and 12 months of age presenting with a sudden red lump in the corner of one or both eyes.
Clinical Reference Guide (Medical Condition)
Typical Presentation
Smooth, round, erythematous swelling protruding from behind the medial canthus and third eyelid margin.
Management Priorities
- Surgical repositioning via Morgan pocket technique or orbital rim anchoring
- E-collar to prevent rubbing
- Topical ocular lubrication
- •NEVER allow a prolapsed cherry eye gland to be cut off or surgically removed: removing the gland destroys 35–50% of tear production, virtually guaranteeing painful lifelong Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (dry eye).
❓ Questions to Ask Your Veterinarian
Take these actionable questions with you to your next clinic visit or appointment:
- 1Will the prolapsed gland be surgically repositioned using a pocketing technique (such as the Morgan pocket)?
- 2Why is surgical excision (cutting out the gland) strictly contraindicated due to lifelong Dry Eye (KCS) risks?
- 3What topical lubricating or antibiotic eye drops should be used until surgery can be scheduled?
Academic & Clinical References
- ACVO Public Guidance on Prolapsed Gland of the Nictitans (Cherry Eye) and Preservation TechniquesOrganization: American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO) • Accessed: 2026-01-10https://www.acvo.org