Eyelid Agenesis (Backwards Eyelashes)

Helping People Understand Veterinary Medical Conditions
Written by Darcy J. Escue
AAS Veterinary Technology
descue@eyecareforanimals.com
Photos By DiAnna Pfaff-Martin
Kittens born with backwards lashes
Eyelid Agenesis
A Procedure Corrects The Backwards Lashes from Rubbing On the Corneas!
Written By DiAnna Pfaff-Martin © All Rights Reserved
The upper and lower eyelids have many functions. They protect the cornea (the clear portion of the front of the eye) and the eye itself from drying out and from insults and trauma from the outside environment. They are important in spreading the tears across the cornea. The lids themselves also produce portions of the tear film from the meibomian glands along the eyelid margin and from cells in the folds of the eyelids.
And lastly, eyelids assist in the draining of excess tears out through the tear ducts.
Infected Eye Severe eye infections cause one kitten to lose an eye prior to the procedure.
The eyelids of dogs and cats usually open between 10-14 days of age with no incidence. However, we do see a congenital defect frequently in the feline called eyelid agenesis. This defect presents at birth and demonstrates a lack of eyelid formation. Often, the upper eyelid fails to develop resulting in a full or partial malformation. Absence of eyelids can result in secondary trichiasis and exposure keratoconjunctivitis.
(Trichiasis is hair around the eye that rubs on the cornea. Keratoconjunctivitis is inflammation of the cornea and the conjunctiva.) With eyelid agenesis, the cornea has no protection from the surrounding hair allowing it to come into contact directly with the cornea, which can result in corneal irritation, pigmentation and corneal ulcers, all of which can affect vision.
The conjunctiva can also have these problems with constant exposure to the environment, making for uncomfortable eyes.
After having the hair follicles frozen to prevent regrowth or having the eyelids reconstructed, these felines are usually very comfortable and can live normal lives. Depending on the ability of the eyelids to blink completely over the cornea, additional topical lubrication may be necessary to prevent any continued corneal changes and to provide comfort.
Community Animal Network’s Donors Raised Money for A Procedure That Corrected Their “Backwards Lashes From rubbing On Their Corneas!
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