What is a corneal sequestrum?

A corneal sequestrum is recognized as dead tissue that forms within the cornea and is typically surrounded by healthy tissue. This condition arises due to a lack of blood supply and oxygen, leading to localized necrosis of the corneal tissue. The presence of the sequestrum appears as a dark, discolored region on the cornea, often seen in cats, particularly in those with underlying chronic ocular conditions such as chronic superficial keratitis or feline herpesvirus infection.

This condition is distinct from a corneal ulcer, which involves erosion of the corneal surface and can be painful and associated with inflammation. Unlike corneal neoplasia, which pertains to abnormal cell growth or tumors in the cornea, a sequestrum specifically refers to necrotic tissue as a result of existing disease processes. Additionally, while infection of the corneal stroma might contribute to various ocular problems, a corneal sequestrum itself is primarily about the non-viable tissue component. Thus, identifying a corneal sequestrum as dead tissue surrounded by healthy tissue is crucial in understanding its pathology and approaching treatment effectively.