Ophthalmology

Eyelid and corneal surgery

Eyelid surgery is used to correct abnormalities of the eyelid in dogs and cats. Eyelid abnormalities can occur for many reasons. The most common causes of eyelid abnormalities that need surgery include; entropion, ectropion, distichaisis, ectopic cilia, eyelid tumors, cherry eye, eyelid laceration, proptosis and eyelid agenesis. Many of these conditions if left untreated will cause discomfort due to corneal ulcerations.

Corneal surgery is used to repair abnormalities of the surface of the eye. The cornea is the windshield of the eye and is vital for vision to keep clear. The most common causes of the corneal abnormalities that require surgery include; corneal ulcerations, corneal perforation, corneal edema, corneal lacerations, corneal squestrum, corneal/limbal tumor and corneal dermoids. Surgeries to repair or correct these conditions are performed under an operating microscope and often require a covering or graft to help the wound heal. The most common graft is to use the patient’s own conjunctiva, the lining of the eyelids.