The Nictitans Flap

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                      General Information



The nictitans flap is a surgical procedure that uses the third or

inner eyelid (membrana nictitans) as a temporary, living bandage

to cover the eyeball.  It promotes healing, protects the cornea

and reduces pain.



When your pet is returned to you, you will see the reddish-pink

third eyelid instead of the eyeball.  The third eyelid is secured

over the eye with sutures that may or may not be visible.

Sometimes sutures may be visible above the upper eyelid,

depending upon the technique used.  In certain cases, the outer

eyelids will be partially, temporarily closed also.



Your pet should adapt very well to the temporary state of

one-eyed vision.



                 Important Points in Treatment



1.  Medicine should be applied directly into the eye over the

    reddish-pink tissue.



2.  The eye should be re-examined in ____ days, and the sutures

    will be removed in ____ days.  After the sutures are removed,

    you will see the eyeball, and your pet will have nearly

    normal vision on the same day in most cases.



3.  Occasionally the flap will have to be reapplied due to

    inadequate healing.



       Notify the Doctor if Any of the Following Occur:



    * The flap loosens and you can see the eyeball.



    * Your pet continually rubs its eye.



    * You cannot apply the medicine as instructed.



    * Your pet's condition worsens.