Cholesterol is a type of fat or lipid produced by the body. Many breeds develop corneal dystrophy. Other breeds and individuals within breeds can develop corneal dystrophy. It is unlikely for corneal dystrophy to result in complete vision loss. It is possible that a small blind spot can develop resulting in slight vision disturbances.
Corneal dystrophy is non-painful in most breeds.
In the Shetland sheepdog, changes do occur in the cornea and these pets can become quite painful. In other breeds, if the cholesterol becomes dense enough, it can causes irritation of the cornea. In these patients, blood vessels enter the cornea and pain eventually results. In addition, the patient can develop rather marked vision loss due to the density of the lipids. For most patients with corneal dystrophy, nothing need be done except determine if an underlying cause is present such as hypothyroidism or high cholesterol in the blood.