Corneal sequestrum
What is a corneal sequester?
Corneal sequestration is a slow-healing epithelial necrotic defect in the cornea that occurs for a number of reasons, most commonly as a result of herpes virus infection.
What does a corneal sequester look like?
It is seen on the eye as a dark brown or black deposit, usually located centrally, but can be large enough to occupy the entire surface of the cornea. In the beginning, a small black change is noticed on the very surface of the eye, which expands quickly, and in two or three weeks becomes significantly wider and deeper.
Both eyes can be affected, and an equally dark discharge usually collects in the corner of the eye. Over time, the dark layer separates, starting from the edge, and leaves a lesion on the cornea, which is very painful. If noticed in time, the surgical intervention is very successful in repairing this problem.
Corneal sequestration in cats is common in cats and very rare in dogs. Sequestration can cause corneal opacity, irritation, and perforation of the eye.
