Eyelids

Comprised of a dorsal and ventral lid connected by medial and lateral canthi, the eyelids serve as an extension of haired skin for protection and lubrication of the cornea. Typical structures identified in the skin elsewhere are also found in the eyelid; however, unique sebaceous glands, the meibomian glands and glands of Zeis, positioned on the inner surface of the eyelid along the palpebral conjunctiva, create an additional site for pathology to occur. Common lesions of cytologic importance in the dog and cat include infectious and noninfectious inflammation, non-neoplastic masses, and neoplasia.