Corneal Diseases

the transparent dome-shaped outer covering of the eye

The cornea or transparent membrane that covers the pupil and iris of the eye is vulnerable to several conditions that can result in permanent blindness or loss of the eye. A quick and accurate diagnosis is your best prevention. In addition to injuries, there are a number of infectious agents that can cause inflammation and ulceration to the cornea.

Chronic Superficial Keratitis (Pannus)

Chronic Superficial Keratitis (CSK) or Pannus is a condition is which the cornea (the clear dome in front of the eye) becomes inflamed.  Treatment for affected dogs involves using eye drops containing medications to suppress the immune system of the eye surface.  (FAQ on Chronic Superficial Keratitus)

Corneal Degeneration

Corneal degeneration is a superficial gray to white discoloration that develops in an area of prior injury.  Eye drops or ointments are prescribed to promote healing.  In severe cases, we recommend a surgical procedure to remove the mineralized surface layers of the cornea (superficial keratectomy). (FAQ on Corneal Degeneration)

Corneal Endothelial Degeneration

In corneal endothelial degeneration, the cells in the endothelium (the inner layer of the cornea) die. As a result the corneal stroma fills with water, causing it to turn blue. The only medical treatment available to treat the corneal edema that results is hypertonic saline drops or ointment. If painful bulla formation occurs, a thermal keratoplasty may be performed. (FAQ on Corneal Endothelial Degeneration)

Corneal Lipid Dystrophy

Corneal dystrophy usually appears as a gray-white or silver opacity in the central corneal region caused by deposits of lipid and cholesterol in the cornea.  Dietary changes are usually recommended to help minimize further corneal deposits.  (FAQ on Corneal Lipid Dystrophy)

Corneal Sequestrum

A corneal sequestrum is a dense, black spot on the cornea that appears to be unique to cats and results from an unhealed corneal ulcer.  Surgery is recommended if cats are painful or if the sequestrum persists for longer than a few months.  Following removal of the sequestrum, we recommend placing either a Biosis or conjunctival graft or a corneal transplant into the area where the sequestrum was removed. (FAQ on Corneal Sequestrum)

Eosinophilic Keratitis

Eosinophilic keratitis is a condition in which the cornea (the clear front part of the eye) becomes infiltrated with eosinophils (a type of white blood cell) and other types of inflammatory cells. Treatment includes topical ant-inflammatory medications, topical anti-viral medications, and/or injectable cortisone. (FAQ on Eosinophilic Keratitis)

Feline Herpes Viral Infection

The virus causes conjunctivitis (inflammation of the pink tissue surrounding the eye) and/or corneal ulcerations. Treatment can include topical anti-viral medications, oral medications and/or a daily oral supplement, L-lysine. (FAQ on Feline Herpes Viral Infection)

Florida Spots (Florida Keratopathy)

Florida keratopathy is an eye condition characterized by the presence of multiple white to gray-tan spots within the cornea. There is no response to treatment with either anti-inflammatory or antimicrobial drugs. (FAQ on Florida Spots)

Immune-Mediated Keratitis

Inflammation of the cornea and redness of the conjunctiva around the eye.  Corneal erosions or ulcerations can develop causing cloudiness.  Eyes can appear quite painful, with increased tearing, squinting and sensitivity to light.  Treatment for this condition is topical drops or ointment and/or topical cyclosporine therapy. (FAQ on Immune Mediated Keratitis)

Indolent Corneal Ulcer

An ulcer, or break in the outer layers of the cornea that is unable to heal.  Recommended treatment is a procedure called a grid keratotomy.  (FAQ on Indolent Corneal Ulcer)

Infected Corneal Ulcer

An infected corneal ulceration has bacteria present which are actually digesting the corneal tissues.  This can lead to corneal perforation and cause blindness. Intensive antibiotic treatment is prescribed for the first few days. If an infected corneal ulcer is not too deep and responds well to medical therapy, surgery may be avoided. (FAQ on Infected Corneal Ulcer)

Descemetocele

A corneal ulcer that is so deep that the inner lining (Descemet’s membrane) bulges out forming a descemetocele. If this structure ruptures, fluid from the anterior chamber of the eye leaks out over the cornea and the eye collapses. (FAQ on Descemetocele)

KCS (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca aka Dry Eye Syndrome)

Inadequate tear production or distribution causes the eye surface to become desiccated or “dried out”.  Signs include red eye, squinting, crusty and/or mucoid discharge, or dull appearance to the cornea. Treatment includes both replacing the missing tear functions and stimulating more of your pet’s own tears. (FAQ on KCS)

Pigmentary Keratitis

Pigmentary keratitis is the response of the cornea to chronic irritation and/or inflammation in which pigment or melanin is deposited in the corneal epithelium (surface of the eye). Once the primary problems have been resolved, superficial pigment deposits can often be minimized with topical eye medications. (FAQ on Pigmentary Keratitis)

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