Advanced corneal surgery in pets is performed to treat serious, vision-threatening, or non-healing corneal disease while preserving comfort and ocular integrity. Procedures are performed using specialized microsurgical instrumentation and high-magnification operating microscopes—such as the LuxOR® Alcon when indicated—to allow exceptional precision.
Surgical options range from Diamond Burr Keratotomy for indolent (non-healing) ulcers, where a fine rotating instrument removes abnormal surface tissue to stimulate proper healing, to deeper reconstructive procedures when ulcers are progressive or at risk of rupture.
Keratotomies (targeted corneal incisions) and keratectomies (surgical removal of diseased corneal tissue) are performed to treat conditions such as corneal sequestra, dermoids, chronic scarring, or to obtain diagnostic biopsy samples.
For structural support, techniques such as conjunctival grafting or BioSIS® biologic graft placement may be used to protect the cornea, enhance blood supply, and promote healing.
The overall goals of advanced corneal surgery are to remove diseased tissue, relieve pain, maintain globe integrity, and optimize long-term vision whenever possible.