Application of superficial keratectomy and soft contact lens for the treatment of symblepharon in a cat: a case report

J Vet Sci. 2021 Mar;22(2):e19. doi: 10.4142/jvs.2021.22.e19.

Abstract

A 7-month-old intact female Persian cat was diagnosed with symblepharon accompanied by epiphora, brownish ocular discharge, and ocular discomfort in the left eye. Superficial keratectomy (SK) was performed to remove adhesions between the conjunctiva and cornea. To prevent re-adhesion after SK, the detached conjunctival tissue was sutured to the corneal limbus, and a soft contact lens (SCL) was inserted and a partial temporary tarsorrhaphy was performed. The SCL and tarsorrhaphy sutures were maintained for 22 days, and symblepharon did not recur 347 days postoperatively. SK combined with SCL is a relatively easy and cost-effective surgical option for feline symblepharon.

Keywords: Case report; cat; keratectomy; soft contact lens; symblepharon.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cat Diseases / etiology
  • Cat Diseases / surgery
  • Cat Diseases / therapy*
  • Cats
  • Conjunctival Diseases / etiology
  • Conjunctival Diseases / surgery
  • Conjunctival Diseases / therapy
  • Conjunctival Diseases / veterinary*
  • Contact Lenses, Hydrophilic / statistics & numerical data
  • Contact Lenses, Hydrophilic / veterinary*
  • Eyelid Diseases / etiology
  • Eyelid Diseases / surgery
  • Eyelid Diseases / therapy
  • Eyelid Diseases / veterinary*
  • Female
  • Keratectomy / veterinary*
  • Treatment Outcome