Agenesis of the eyes

Why is this surgery so expensive?  We wanted to tell you more about Iris and May's condition called agenesis of the eyes.

Below:  May looking cute. 


The kittens' outer eyelids are missing, and therefore their eyes do not have the protection from the elements or their own fur. Compare this to the feeling of having an eyelash in your eye, but for Iris and May, it is several hairs and is constant. That can't be comfortable.

In addition, the resulting dryness and abrasions to the front of the eye can lead to scarring and a much higher risk of infection, resulting in potential blindness and maybe even losing the eye entirely (as Iris already had when HPC found her).  May already has signs of corneal scarring, despite daily lubricating ointment. Surgery to the eyelids is the only way to replace their eyelids and make these kittens comfortable.



A close-up of May's eye.