🔎 What Are Corneal Dystrophy & Degeneration?

Corneal dystrophy in cats is a rare, inherited, bilateral condition—most often endothelial dysfunction—leading to progressive cloudiness or even bullous keratopathy over time :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.

Corneal degeneration involves lipid or calcium accumulation and scarring, often following injury, inflammation, or systemic disease—it’s unilateral or bilateral :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.

⚠️ Causes & Who’s at Risk

• Genetic dystrophy: Suspected recessive pattern in breeds like Manx and domestic shorthairs—early stromal/endothelial edema develops into bullae over years :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
• Lipid/calcium deposits: Secondary to corneal damage/inflammation; may be worsened by systemic hyperlipidemia or metabolic disorders :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
• Corneal sequestrum: Necrotic dark lesion exclusive to cats, causes pain and ulceration :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.

🚩 Signs & Symptoms

• Cloudy, bluish-gray corneal appearance; bullae in endothelial dystrophy :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
• Pain signs: blinking, squinting, tearing—especially with sequestra or ulceration :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.
• Deposits: white crystalline or metallic flecks; lipid arcs or calcium rings; possible vascularization in degenerative cases :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.
• Vision impairment: mild to moderate in dystrophies; ulceration can severely affect eyesight :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.

🔬 Diagnostic Tools

• Fluorescein staining: Identifies ulcers or sequestra :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.
• Tonometer: Rule out glaucoma-linked edema :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.
• Slit-lamp biomicroscopy: Evaluates lesion location (epithelial, stromal, endothelial) and vascularization :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.
• Blood tests: Screen lipids, calcium, metabolic causes if degeneration suspected :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.
• Cytology/biopsy: For sequestra or atypical lesions (rare corneal neoplasia) :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}.

🛠️ Treatment & Medical Care

Corneal Dystrophy

• Asymptomatic cases require no intervention :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}.
• Medical options: hyperosmotic drops (e.g., 5% sodium chloride) for edema, topical steroids for mild inflammation; contact lenses to protect epithelium :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}.
• Surgery: conjunctival flaps, superficial keratectomy, or corneal transplant in severe bullous cases :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}.

Corneal Degeneration

• Treat underlying inflammation or infection with topical antibiotics/steroids :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}.
• Superficial keratectomy may remove deposits and smooth the surface :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}.
• Diet modification and monitoring if systemic lipid issues are involved :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}.

Corneal Sequestrum

• Surgical excision of sequestrum, often with graft/flap; pain relief and antibiotics follow :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}.

🏡 Home & Long-Term Care

• Keep eyes clean; use prescribed drops and ointments on schedule—set reminders via **Ask A Vet**.
• Monitor for pain signs, cloudiness, tearing—prompt vet attention for new ulcers.
• Protect environment: reduce irritants (dust, smoke), use soft bedding from **Woopf** & **Purrz**.
• Regular ophthalmic check-ups: evaluate progression, manage medications, consider specialist referral.

📅 Prognosis & Follow-Up

• Dystrophy: Vision often preserved; bullous cases need surgery—otherwise monitoring :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}.
• Degeneration: Outcome depends on controlling inflammation or metabolic drivers :contentReference[oaicite:25]{index=25}.
• Sequestrum: Surgery is usually curative; recurrence is possible in some breeds :contentReference[oaicite:26]{index=26}.
• Follow-up schedule: Every 3–6 months or sooner if changes—include detailed ocular exam, tonometry, and imaging if needed.

📝 Quick Reference Table