Corneal Disease (Inherited) in Cats

Corneal Dystrophies in Cats

Corneal dystrophy is an inherited progressive condition which affects both eyes, often in the same way. The cornea, the clear outer layer of the front of the eye, is most affected. The disease is not associated with other diseases, and only rarely occurs in cats.

There are three types of corneal dystrophy, categorized by location: epithelial corneal dystrophy, where cell formation is affected; stromal corneal dystrophy, where the cornea will become cloudy; and endothelial corneal dystrophy, where the cells of the lining of the cornea are affected.

Symptoms and Types

Epithelial corneal dystrophy:

• Possible corneal spasms
• Vision is normal
• White or gray circular or irregular opacities or rings on cornea
• Age of onset six months to six years
• Slow progression

Stromal corneal dystrophy:

• Vision usually normal, although it may be reduced with advanced diffuse opacity
• There may be oval or circular opacities: white, gray or silver
  • Diffuse opacity
  • Annular (doughnut-shaped) opacity

Endothelial corneal dystrophy:

• There is a swelling of the cornea with fluid blisters developing on the cornea
• Vision may be impaired with advanced disease
• Affects young animals

Cats breeds that are predisposed:

• Domestic shorthairs
• Manx (has been found to inherit a similar condition that occurs without the endothelial consequences)

Causes

Epithelial

• Degenerative or innate abnormalities of the cornea

Stromal

• An innate abnormality of the cornea

Endothelial

• Degeneration of the lining of the cornea

Diagnosis

Your veterinarian will perform a thorough physical exam on your cat, including an ophthalmic exam. Your veterinarian will order a blood chemical profile, a complete blood count, an electrolyte panel and a urinalysis. will need to provide a thorough history of your cat's health leading up to the onset of symptoms.

Slit lamp microscopy will aid significantly in differentiating the type of corneal dystrophy present, and a fluorescein stain, a non-invasive dye that shows details of the eye under blue light, will be used to examine the eye for abrasions, and to define the shape of the cornea so that your veterinarian can diagnose the corneal dystrophy. Fluorescein dye enables visualization of any corneal ulcers that may be present; these types of ulcers occur with endothelial and epithelial corneal dystrophy. Fluorescein dye is inconsistent in its ability to aid in diagnosis of endothelial corneal dystrophy, and is not of much use in the diagnosis of stromal corneal dystrophy, but it can be helpful in the diagnosis of epithelial corneal dystrophy. A tonometer will be used to measure the interior pressure in your cat’s eyes so as to rule out glaucoma as a possible cause of corneal swelling.

Treatment

If your cat has corneal ulcers, they will treated with antibiotic eye medications. Stromal corneal dystrophy usually does not require treatment. Endothelial corneal dystrophy may be treated using contact lenses over your cat's eyes. Also, epithelial corneal tags may be removed. Another possible treatment for endothelial corneal dystrophy is flap surgery of the conjunctiva (the lining of the eyeball and the back surface of the lids). While a corneal transplant may be beneficial, results are inconsistent.

Living and Management

Your cat will probably always have some cloudiness to its eyes after treatment. However, if you notice that your cat is in pain due to its eyes (e.g., blinking, watering of the eyes) contact your veterinarian, as ulcers may be developing on the cornea. This is prevalent with endothelial and epithelial corneal dystrophy. Your cat’s vision will most probably remain normal despite corneal dystrophy.