Upper Eyelid Reconstruction Using Contralateral Lower Eyelid Graft After Enucleation of a Blind Eye in a Cat With Bilateral Upper Eyelid Agenesis

To describe a novel technique for upper eyelid reconstruction using a contralateral full-thickness lower eyelid graft harvested during enucleation of a blind eye in a cat with bilateral upper eyelid agenesis.

A 2 year-old female Domestic Short-haired cat presented with bilateral upper eyelid agenesis involving approximately the lateral three-quarters of each upper eyelid, accompanied by microphthalmia. The left eye retained visual function, while the right eye was blind. Enucleation of the right eye was performed, and the right lower eyelid was harvested as a full-thickness graft for reconstruction of the left upper eyelid defect.

Partial graft necrosis developed, followed by granulation tissue formation and secondary intention healing, resulting in a stable, non-haired scar by 8 weeks. At 6 months, the reconstructed eyelid demonstrated sustained functional integrity without trichiasis or exposure keratitis.

Contralateral lower eyelid grafting following enucleation may be considered a viable reconstructive option for upper eyelid defects in cats with bilateral eyelid agenesis and unilateral blindness.