Which of the following is a surgical option for severe equine corneal ulcers?

• A. Conjunctival flap
• B. Oral antibiotics only
• C. Topical lubricants alone
• D. Eyelid massages

Answer: (A)

Conjunctival flap is a surgical option used for severe equine corneal ulcers because it brings in a vascularized tissue bed to the damaged cornea, providing blood supply, nutrients, and immune cells that support healing. When an ulcer is deep, thinning, or not responding to medical therapy, covering it with conjunctival tissue helps epithelialization occur more reliably and protects the fragile corneal surface from ongoing irritation and further damage. This tactic is particularly useful for ulcers with substantial stromal loss or a high risk of perforation, where medical management alone is unlikely to restore integrity.

In contrast, treating with oral antibiotics alone doesn’t address the tissue loss or provide the healing bed the ulcer needs, topical lubricants mainly relieve dryness rather than promote healing of a deep defect, and eyelid massages are not a therapeutic approach for severe corneal ulcers and can worsen ocular surface irritation.