Corneal edema in four horses treated with a superficial keratectomy and Gundersen inlay flap.

The research article is about the treatment and outcomes of severe corneal edema in horses using a method called superficial keratectomy and Gundersen inlay flap. This method appears effective in reducing corneal edema, ocular pain, recurrent corneal ulceration, and maintaining vision.

Explaining the Research Methods

• The study observed four horses that all met the same inclusion criterion. Firstly, each horse needed to have been diagnosed with endothelial disease by a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist. Secondly, the horse had to have undergone surgical treatment using a superficial keratectomy and Gundersen inlay flap.
• The study used retrospective medical record reviews to gather details about the included horses. The research looked at factors like breed, age, and sex, in addition to medical and surgical therapy details and the visual outcome.

Understanding the Results

• Each horse had presented with severe corneal edema, which had further progressed to diffuse corneal edema. Epithelial bullae and ulceration were evident in every case.
• The researched showed that standard medical treatment, such as using hyperosmotic agent and topical and systemic anti-inflammatories, was ineffective against the disease.
• The use of a superficial keratectomy and Gundersen inlay flap, however, yielded significant results. The procedure lessened corneal edema, improved comfort, removed corneal ulceration, and maintained vision post-surgery with little to no need for medical therapy.
• The research followed up with the horses for 15, 12, 6, and 3-month intervals respectively.

Conclusions from the Study

• The research suggests that the procedure involving a superficial keratectomy and Gundersen inlay flap might be a valuable surgical alternative to treat severe corneal edema in horses.