Corneal laceration and iris prolapse
Corneal lacerations are deep cuts into the cornea. They are painful and if left untreated, can lead to blindness and loss of the eye. Trauma is the primary cause of corneal lacerations. Some lacerations will damage deeper structures inside the eye like the lens.
What are the clinical signs of corneal laceration?
Intensive medical management
Assessment and mangement
Determining the outcome of a laceration requires experience. A Registered Veterinary Eye Specialist will examine the eye carefully with a slit-lamp, indirect ophthalmoscope and sometimes an ultrasound. These eyes are very fragile and can deteriorate in 24 hours. Whilst primary care can be provided by local vets or emergency centres the eye should be examined by a Veterinary Ophthalmologist the next day. Surgery is generally required to directly suture the cornea if the wound is over 3-4mm in length and is required in all cases of iris prolapse.
Infection inside the eye
The traumatic nature of these injuries often leads to bacterial contamination inside the eye. Despite aggressive medical treatment, some eyes develop severe infection and require removal.
Lens rupture
Deeper injury can result in lens rupture and cataract formation. In some cases, aggressive medical therapy can allow some of these cataracts to spontaneously resolve. Long-term use of anti-inflammatory therapy is needed in these situations. When the lens is damaged extensively, cataract surgery may be recommended.
Complications of corneal lacerations
Should you have any questions or concerns please contact us on 03 9545 0103.
Corneal lacerations are deep cuts into the cornea. They are painful and if left untreated, can lead to blindness and loss of the eye. Trauma is the primary cause of corneal lacerations. Some lacerations will damage deeper structures inside the eye like the lens.
What are the clinical signs of corneal laceration?
- Red eye
- Cloudy eye
- Watery to mucky discharge
- Squinting
- Rubbing the eye/s
- Pain
- Black to cream coloured lesion on the cornea
Intensive medical management
- Topical antibiotics
- Systemic antibiotics
- Atropine to dilate the pupil and prevent adhesions
- Systemic steroidal or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications
- Pain relief
Assessment and mangement
Determining the outcome of a laceration requires experience. A Registered Veterinary Eye Specialist will examine the eye carefully with a slit-lamp, indirect ophthalmoscope and sometimes an ultrasound. These eyes are very fragile and can deteriorate in 24 hours. Whilst primary care can be provided by local vets or emergency centres the eye should be examined by a Veterinary Ophthalmologist the next day. Surgery is generally required to directly suture the cornea if the wound is over 3-4mm in length and is required in all cases of iris prolapse.
Infection inside the eye
The traumatic nature of these injuries often leads to bacterial contamination inside the eye. Despite aggressive medical treatment, some eyes develop severe infection and require removal.
Lens rupture
Deeper injury can result in lens rupture and cataract formation. In some cases, aggressive medical therapy can allow some of these cataracts to spontaneously resolve. Long-term use of anti-inflammatory therapy is needed in these situations. When the lens is damaged extensively, cataract surgery may be recommended.
Complications of corneal lacerations
- Pigmentation
- Blood vessel reaction
- Corneal opacification and fibrosis
- Cataract formation
- Uveitis
- Glaucoma
- Vision loss
- Corneal perforation
- Loss of the eye
Should you have any questions or concerns please contact us on 03 9545 0103.
