Corneal Foreign Body - Dog and Cat

Corneal Foreign Bodies can either be superficial and adherent to the surface of the cornea or penetrating.

Clinical Signs

The foreign body is normally visible in the eye. Ocular discharge, blepharospasm and ulceration may occur secondary to the foreign body.

Treatment

Superficial foreign bodies should be removed as quickly as possible, before they cause ulceration of the cornea. Under topical anaesthesia a fine stream of saline directed at the foreign body may be sufficient to remove it. Care should be taken with this technique if there is any evidence of damage to the cornea.

Penetrating foreign bodies require surgical removal and consideration should be given to referral.

References

Maggs, D et al (2007) Slatter's Fundamentals Of Veterinary Ophthalmology (Fourth Edition) Saunders