The importance of membrane nictitans flap technique in the treatment of corneal pathologies in cats and dogs and its contribution to the welfare of patients

Year 2023, Vetexpo-2022, 143 - 143, 05.01.2023

Aynur Demir

Abstract

The membrana nictitans, also called the third eyelid, is a thin tissue located in the medial canthus of most pets. Its main task is to distribute the precorneal tear components over the cornea and to draw the resulting waste products and the remaining tear film into the tear duct puncta. Membrane nictitans also contributes significantly to normal tear production. Membrane nictitans flap is a method used in the treatment of various corneal diseases and in the protection of post-operative corneal grafts. It is easy to apply, the operation time is short, it requires less surgical experience, it is a safe and economical method. This method is mostly used in the treatment of pathologies such as simple corneal ulcers, chronic epithelial defects, and lacerations of the cornea, which are common in small animal practice, to protect and support the weakened cornea and to aid corneal healing. It can be used as a 'tamponade or pressure bandage' in acute corneal hydrops, as well as to protect the corneal surface from traumas and eyelid frictions with the application of tarsorrhaphy. In this study, it is aimed to shed light on those who wonder about the benefits of membrana nictitans flap in the treatment of corneal pathologies encountered in cats and dogs, its effectiveness on recovery time and complications related to the technique, to share the treatment results and to transfer them to professional practice and to inform our colleagues about this technique.

Keywords

flap, cornea, membrane nictitans, treatment, technique