Disorder - Corneal dystrophy

Organ Systems Involved
Nervous/sensory

Presenting Signs

In corneal dystrophy, there is degeneration in the layers of the cornea (the transparent outer surface of the eye). Corneal dystrophy appears as blue-white changes to the cornea in both eyes and eventually leads to blindness. This condition appears differently in individuals in the early stages of disease. There are variations in the size and density of the changes, how fast the disorder progresses and in the area of the cornea affected. Corneal dystrophy will always worsen in both eyes, however, until it affects the entire cornea.

Corneal dystrophy is classified according to the layer of the cornea affected. Stromal dystrophy is associated with damage to the middle layer of the cornea and has been recorded in Manx cats. Endothelial dystrophy is related to the inner layer of the cornea and has been recorded in domestic short-haired cats.

Cats at Risk

Young cats; cats from inbred lines

Breeds Affected
Manx


Treatment

Medical and surgical: cats can be treated with 5% sodium chloride (salty water) eye drops, antibiotic eye drops and epithelial debridement. Treatment will not cure but may slow the progression of the disease. Treatment may not be effective as corneal dystrophy in cats is more aggressive and progresses faster than in other animals.

PubMed References
Corneal dystrophy

Contributor
Cloe Davies