Corneal Conditions in Pets
The cornea is the clear, outermost layer of the front of the eye and plays a critical role in maintaining both vision and comfort. Because it’s exposed and delicate, the cornea is vulnerable to injury, infection, and disease, which can progress quickly and threaten your pet’s eyesight and comfort. At the Veterinary Eye Center - Connecticut, we offer advanced diagnosis and customized treatment for a wide range of corneal conditions in pets. From infections and ulcers to autoimmune and inflammatory disorders, our board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist will tailor a treatment plan specific to your pet, which may include medical and/or surgical recommendations, to enhance corneal health, improve or preserve vision as much as possible, and restore comfort.
.png)
.png)
Infected Corneal Ulcers & Perforations
Corneal ulcers, especially when infected, can rapidly deepen, leading to intense pain, inflammation, and even corneal perforation. These ulcers often require urgent attention to prevent complications or vision loss.
At VEC CT, we treat corneal ulcers with:
- Targeted antibiotic therapy
- Anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pain and swelling
- Supportive care such as the use of plasma, amnion eye drops, or collagen lenses
- When needed, advanced surgical options including grafts such as conjunctival grafts or amniotic/other biological membrane grafts
These approaches help stabilize the eye, promote healing, and restore both comfort and function.
Corneal Sequestrum
Corneal sequestrum is most commonly seen in cats and involves the formation of a dark, necrotic (dead) plaque on the surface of the cornea. This condition is not only painful but can also impair vision or lead to corneal perforation if untreated.
Treatment typically involves:
- Surgical removal of the sequestrum
- Corneal reconstruction techniques to restore a smooth and functional surface
Our board-certified ophthalmologist tailors a plan for each individual patient with the goals of treating the sequestrum, minimize scarring, and supporting long-term comfort and visual recovery.
Indolent & Superficial Corneal Ulcers
Some superficial corneal ulcers fail to heal properly, leading to what’s known as indolent ulcers or “non-healing” ulcers. These stubborn wounds require specialized care beyond standard treatments.
We offer a range of minimally invasive procedures to stimulate healing, including:
- CTA Corneal debridement
- Diamond burr debridement
- Grid or punctate keratotomy
- Thermokeratoplasty
These techniques help the cornea regenerate healthy tissue and form a strong epithelial attachment, reducing the risk of recurrence.
Corneal Dermoid
A corneal dermoid is a congenital abnormality where skin-like tissue (including hair follicles or glands) developed on the cornea, eyelid, or conjunctiva. Though usually benign, this condition can cause:
- Chronic irritation
- Eye discharge
- Vision impairment
- Abnormal corneal shape or scarring
Surgical removal is the most effective treatment to improve your pet’s comfort and prevent long-term complications.
Keratitis
Keratitis refers to inflammation of the cornea and can stem from a variety of causes, including:
- Immune-mediated disorders
- Infectious diseases
- Ocular trauma
- Chronic mechanical irritation (e.g., entropion or dry eye)
Our diagnostic process involves a full ocular exam, including fluorescein staining and tear film analysis, to determine the root cause. Treatment is then tailored to:
- Reduce inflammation
- Treat any underlying disease
- Protect the cornea from further damage
Early and effective intervention can prevent permanent scarring or vision loss.