Corneal Sequestrum

Corneal sequestrum is a disease affecting the cornea (the clear curved transparent part of the front the eye). The sequestrum is usually an area of degenerated or non-living corneal tissue. This develops after an area of chronic corneal irritation or non-healing ulceration. The area of corneal degeneration often turns light brown to dark brown or black in color. The sequestrum may affect only the outer layers of the corneal stroma (tissue), but in some cases the sequestrum extends deeper into the cornea and may lead to deep ulceration, pain and possibly, corneal rupture.

While corneal sequestra have been documented in horses, the disease is  most common in cats. Corneal sequestra occur in cats of all breeds, however, the Persian, Himalayan, and Burmese are particularly susceptible.

If your cat develops a corneal sequestrum, you might notice increased tearing, discharge from the eye and squinting.  You might also see the brown (or black) area on the cornea.

A corneal sequestrum can lead to corneal ulcers (superficial to deep), ocular infections, corneal scarring, corneal vascularization and corneal mineralization.

Causes

Corneal sequestra can occur as the result of chronic eye irritation. A large prominent globe, low tear production, decreased blink response and decreased sensation of the cornea, as seen in brachycephalic (or short-nosed, flat-faced) breeds might create a predisposition to a corneal sequestrum. Another possible cause of this disease is Feline Herpesvirus.  Sequestra can recur in the same eye or in the other eye in predisposed patients.

Treatment

Treatment for a corneal sequestrum usually involves a surgical procedure called a keratectomy. This involves surgical removal of the diseased layers of cornea. Our veterinary ophthalmologists perform this surgery using an operating microscope and specialized microsurgical instruments. Surgery relieves the discomfort associated with the corneal sequestrum, prevents the lesion from deepening and greatly shortens the healing time of the ulcer.

If the sequestrum affects the deeper layers of the cornea we may elect to apply a tissue graft or similar material to strengthen the cornea in that area and hasten healing. This may involve the use of a graft consisting of the patient’s own conjunctiva (the pink, mobile layer covering the white of the eye), adjacent cornea, donor cornea, synthetic biological or collagen discs placed over the surgical defect.

Not all corneal sequestra require surgical intervention.  Your veterinary ophthalmologist may recommend medical treatment and monitoring.  When surgical intervention is recommended, your doctor will discuss the surgical procedure along with benefits and risks specific to your pet. Any surgical procedure can introduce complications, including potential anesthetic risks. Surgical procedures that involve the cornea seldom give rise to complications, which occur in less than 5% of these cases. Nevertheless, potential complications include, but are not limited to:

•Inflammation of the pink tissue (conjunctivitis)

•Break down or rejection of the tissue or suture (wound dehiscence/graft retraction/rejection)

•Infections at the surgical site, which may extend to other internal and/or external areas of the eye

•Corneal ulcerations

•Corneal scarring, vascularization, or mineralization

•Inflammation inside the eye (uveitis)

 

Some of these complications, if severe could lead to blindness; however most can be managed with prompt treatment

If you have any further questions or concerns regarding corneal sequestrum, please do not hesitate to call us at Eye Care for Animals.

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