There are three main groups of corneal lesions that clinically resemble crystalline corneal opacities: corneal dystrophies, lipid keratopathy, and corneal degeneration. The clinical signs are similar, but the cause of the opacity is different. In general, corneal dystrophies are hereditary and bilateral with almost symmetric lesions, lipid keratopathy is associated with systemic lipid diseases and corneal degeneration is secondary to a localized inflammatory process.
Corneal dystrophy is often diagnosed in the Siberian Husky, Bichon Frise, American Cocker Spaniel, German Shepherd, Labrador Retriever and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Most cases are not accompanied by corneal inflammation or systemic disease, and present clinically as grayish-white opacities on the cornea. In animals whose breed is not characteristic of hereditary corneal dystrophy, and especially in undefined breeds, some bloodwork may be recommended to exclude systemic lipid diseases and determine the definitive diagnosis.
Treatment of corneal opacities depends on each clinical case. In cases of lipid keratopathy, it may be recommended to feed your pet a low-fat diet. However, most cases of corneal dystrophy and degeneration do not require treatment unless there is evidence of ocular pain or discomfort, or this problem interferes with the pet’s vision.
There are three main groups of corneal lesions that clinically resemble crystalline corneal opacities: corneal dystrophies, lipid keratopathy, and corneal degeneration. The clinical signs are similar, but the cause of the opacity is different. In general, corneal dystrophies are primary, hereditary and bilateral with almost symmetric lesions, lipid keratopathy is associated with systemic lipid diseases (such as hypothyroidism and hyperadrenocorticism) and corneal degeneration is secondary to a localized inflammatory process. These pathologies can occur in the corneal epithelium, stroma and/or endothelium, although the anterior stroma is the most frequently affected area.
Corneal dystrophy may be related to breed, being frequently diagnosed in Siberian Husky, Bichon Frise, American Cocker Spaniel, German Shepherd, Labrador Retriever and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Normally, it is not a progressive disease, but in some cases, it can progress to corneal degeneration, due to inflammation caused by lipid deposition. Most corneal dystrophies are not accompanied by keratitis or systemic disease, and present clinically as grayish-white or silvery, crystalline or metallic opacities in the central or paracentral cornea. In animals whose breed is not characteristic of hereditary dystrophy, and especially in undefined breeds, biochemical tests may be recommended, in order to exclude systemic lipid diseases causing lipid keratopathies, and determine the definitive diagnosis.
Treatment of corneal opacities depends on each clinical case. In cases of lipid keratopathy, a low-fat diet is suggested. However, most cases of corneal dystrophy and degeneration do not require treatment unless there is evidence of eye pain or discomfort, or this problem interferes with the animal’s vision. If this occurs, it is possible to carry out surgical treatment in the form of a keratectomy of the injured area. Subsequently, corneal reconstruction is performed through the implantation of biological tissues such as amniotic membrane or Biosis.