Eyelid Agenesis


Feline eyelid agenesis describes a congenital condition in which affected animals are born with incomplete eyelid margins. Multiple kittens from a single litter are commonly affected.Typically the presentation is bilateral & symmetrical with the full thickness defect affecting the superio-temporal eyelid margins, however variations may occur. The size of the defect may also vary. Additional ocular abnormalities may be present, with persistent pupillary membranes (PPMs) being the most common.Eyelid agenesis commonly results in trichiasis or contact between hairs and the corneal surface. Potential sequelae include fibrosing, vascular & pigmentary keratitis, the formation of corneal sequestra and/or corneal ulceration, which may become severe enough to result in perforation of the globe.