Effective Treatments for Cat Corneal Edema: Solutions E
Corneal edema is a primary sign of various eye diseases. The cornea, which is situated at the front of the eye, is a clear, colorless structure. It relies heavily on the vascular network surrounding it and aqueous humor for its nourishment, making it susceptible to poor metabolism and resistance. The corneal endothelial cells act as a crucial physiological barrier for maintaining the cornea's normal function. These cells play a vital role in preserving the cornea's hydration status, often referred to as the metabolic "sodium pump" function of the endothelial cells.
Should the endothelial cells sustain damage, the "sodium pump" function may weaken or cease, allowing aqueous humor to seep into the corneal stroma, leading to varying degrees of edema. Once edema occurs, it can be mild and resolve quickly, but in severe cases, recovery is slow, and some patients may develop scars or experience corneal decompensation, resulting in varying degrees of visual impairment, even blindness.
Traditional Chinese medicine posits that disturbances in Qi and blood lead to the invasion of windheat toxins, which stir up liver fire. This liver fire can scorch the black part of the eye, causing corneal edema. Additionally, surgery can alter a patient's hemodynamics, leading to blood stasis and blockages in the meridians, disrupting metabolism and potentially causing corneal edema. Treatment should focus on strengthening the spleen and Qi, clearing liver fire, nourishing and harmonizing blood, promoting blood circulation, and reducing swelling to improve vision.
Treatment Methods:
Topical application of Tobramycin Dexamethasone eye drops, once every 2 hours; Sodium hyaluronate eye drops, once every 12 hours.
Application of recombinant bovine basic fibroblast growth factor ophthalmic gel, once every 2 hours.
50% glucose water eye drops, once every 2 hours.
Systemic administration of vitamin C intravenously, once daily; if intraocular pressure exceeds 21 mmHg, administer Nifedipine 50mg, twice daily, adjusting or discontinuing based on the intraocular pressure.
Traditional Chinese medicine formula Longdan Xiegan Decoction combined with Wuling Powder, as follows:
Decoction ingredients: 12g of Cassia seed, 10g of Shijie Ming, 6g of Chrysanthemum, 4g of white thorn, 15g of Longdan root, 15g of Atractylodes macrocephala, 15g of枳实, 5g of Chinese wolfberry, 12g of Poria cocos, 12g of Fangfeng, 10g of Guizhi, 10g of Angelica sinensis, 6g of Platycodon grandiflorus, 6g of Astragalus membranaceus, 4g of Poria cocos, 4g of Lonicera japonica, and 4g of Rehmannia glutinosa. The decoction is taken once daily, with one dose in the morning and one in the evening.
The Wuling Powder is from Zhang Zhongjing's Treatise on Cold Damage, originally used to treat external windcold and internal retention of fluid.
In the formula of Longdan Xiegan Decoction combined with Wuling Powder, Cassia seed, Shijie Ming, and white thorn have the effects of clearing the liver and improving vision, and lowering intraocular pressure. Poria cocos, Atractylodes macrocephala, and Poria cocos have the effects of nourishing the spleen and promoting diuresis. Longdan root has the effect of clearing liver fire. Astragalus membranaceus has the effects of replenishing Qi and promoting blood circulation. Lonicera japonica has the effects of detoxifying, antiinflammatory, and clearing heat. Angelica sinensis has the effect of nourishing blood and softening the liver.
The primary goal of treating corneal edema is to eliminate swelling and reduce damage to corneal endothelial cells. Traditional treatments typically involve the use of corticosteroids and topical antibiotics. Highosmolarity glucose eye drops can create a hyperosmotic environment on the corneal surface, promoting the transfer of water from the cornea to the outside, thus aiding in dehydration and reducing corneal edema.
