
This animal exhibits microphthalmia and agenesis of the upper lid margin. The
eyelid malformation is congenital and usually occurs bilaterally. This eye is
also microphthalmic and has persistent pupillary membranes which span from the
iris to an anterior capsular cataract. Evaluation of the posterior segment is
these cases often reveals retinal dysplasia. The effect on vision is, of course
variable with the severity of the individual malformations. The eyelid agenesis
results in discomfort and progressive corneal fibrosis caused by the eyelid hair
contacting the cornea. In mild cases, daily application of topical lubricating
ointments will maintains comfort and corneal clarity. In most cases however,
surgical correction is necessary. Reconstruction of the eyelid margin usually
involves a series of procedures which mobilize conjunctiva from either the lower
eyelid or nictitating membrane.
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