Entropion Surgery and Cherry Eye
The structures around the eye play an essential role , all contributing to an environment perfect for visual acuity. When these structures fail, they need accurate diagnosis and treatment.
If there is corneal ulceration of the eye, it is often secondary to another problem. Below is a list of potential problems and cures:
1. Entropion
A simple, but sometimes involved, problem whereby the eyelid rolls inwards, pushing the eyelashes onto the cornea, causing damage.
Plastic surgery correction of the eyelids lifts the lashes away, to a more normal position, taking them away from the delicate eyeball and cornea.
2. Ectropion
This is the opposite. Though less common, this outward rolling or drooping of the eyelid exposes the eyeball to desiccation. A dry eye will soon develop corneal ulceration-
Plasty surgery is more complicated with ectropion but will cure this problem by improving the cover offered by the eyelids.
3. Distichiasis / ectopic cilia
This is where rogue eyelashes grow towards the eyeball instead of outwards. A keen assessment and laser surgery will cure these.
4. Cherry eye
This is where the 3rd eyelid has a prolapse of the lacrimal (tear) gland within it.
I have seen dogs whereby vets have simply cut away the whole 3rd eyelid. The lacrimal gland within it contributes 30% of tear production. It has to be preserved!
We undertake these problems with specialised surgical technique to ensure a professional outcome.
5. Scrolling nictitans (3rd eyelid)
This unusual condition will also cause drying of the cornea and ulceration.
We also undertake surgical repair of these problems.
6. KCS (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca)
This is also called ´dry eye´. We have the means to diagnose and manage this. It is from an underactive lacrimal system, which is not producing enough tears to wash and lubricate the eye. Corneal ulceration quickly ensues.
7. Corneal surgery
At LVC we understand that not all corneal ulcers are the same and treatment may vary depending on their severity.
We invoke the following eye surgery procedures (as needed):
Corneal debriding to help the ulcer achieve it´s best state for healing
Grid keratotomy
A procedure to re-start corneal healing in which a corneal ulcer has become indolent (or non active):
- Temporary tarrshoraphy to protect the cornea during healing
- 3rd eyelid flap – also to protect damaged, ulcerated corneal tissues
- Eye enucleation
For various reasons, we occasionally need to remove the entire, for instance if there is a melanoma tumor diagnosed on the globe (eye). We undertake these with some regularity with good results.
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