Visual outcome evaluation of complicated perforating corneal injuries after surgical repair in 45 cats

Authors: KHALED M. ALI, MARWA H. HASSAN

Abstract: Corneal perforations and lacerations are common causes of blindness. These injuries require immediate treatment to preserve the anatomical integrity of the cornea. The purposes of our study were to demonstrate the common complications of traumatic and nontraumatic penetrating corneal injuries in cats and to assess the visual outcome after surgical repair of these cases. The present study included 45 cats with traumatic and nontraumatic perforated cornea. The cats were treated either by suturing of the corneal defect, conjunctival flap, or treating the associated complications. Regarding the surgical outcomes after a successful conjunctival flap, the corneal integrity and transparency of the eye with the potential for vision were restored in 14 cats, corneal vascularization and granulation tissue in 5 cats, adhesion between the conjunctiva and the cornea in 3 cats, and anterior synechia with corneal fibrosis in 2 cats. Regarding the unsuccessful outcome after conjunctival flap, the eyes lost their vision in 8 cats with collapsed anterior chamber, corneal fibrosis edema, and unresponsive endophthalmitis. The corneal wound healed completely in the 5 cats treated by corneal suturing with variable degrees of corneal edema and fibrosis. Saving the eye with perforated cornea could be achieved when an appropriate and rapid intervention is applied.

Keywords: Corneal perforation, corneal laceration, conjunctival flap, cats

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