Corneal Sequestrum
Corneal Sequestrum
Corneal sequestrum is a disease affecting the cornea. The sequestrum is usually an area of degenerated or non-living corneal tissue that develops after chronic corneal irritation or non-healing ulceration. The area often turns light brown to dark brown or black in color.
What's really going on
The sequestrum may affect only the outer layers of the corneal stroma, but in some cases extends deeper 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, particularly Persian, Himalayan, and Burmese breeds.
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 might create a predisposition. Another possible cause is Feline Herpesvirus. Sequestra can recur in the same eye or in the other eye in predisposed patients.
How a specialist helps
Treatment usually involves a surgical procedure called a keratectomy, involving surgical removal of the diseased layers of cornea using an operating microscope and specialized microsurgical instruments. If the sequestrum affects deeper layers, a tissue graft may be applied to strengthen the cornea and hasten healing. Not all corneal sequestra require surgical intervention - your veterinary ophthalmologist may recommend medical treatment and monitoring.