Equine Eye Injuries

Able to see nearly 360 degrees, the equine eye is a wonder in the animal world. But because of its size and shape, it is also prone to injury.
    • Horses need clear vision for safety.

    Significance

    • If the eye is infected, its nearness to the brain makes the infection very serious. Horses do not have binocular vision---if they lose an eye, they lose sight on that side of their body as well.

    Identification

    • Severe eye injuries can be identified by bleeding, swelling and severe pain. Subtle eye injuries, however, may present with just irritation and watering of the affected eye.

    Effects

    • In mild cases---a scratch, splinter or other minor irritation---the eye can heal quickly without ill effects. When extensive tissue damage and/or infection have compromised the tissue past healing, eye removal is necessary.

    Time Frame

    • Minor eye injuries can heal in just a few days with proper treatment. More severe injuries can take months to heal, and require dedicated care in order save the eye.

    Treatment

    • A topical antibiotic is usually prescribed for eye injuries, and applied several times a day until it heals. Surgery may be needed to remove foreign bodies and to treat deeper infections, or---in worst-case scenarios---to remove the eye.