Specialized Ophthalmology and Immediate Care
Eye emergencies in horses are among the most sensitive and time-critical conditions, as even minor injuries can rapidly progress to deep corneal ulcers, severe infections, stromal abscesses, corneal melting, or permanent vision loss. At our hospital, our experienced veterinary team provides immediate and specialized intervention for all ocular emergencies.
Signs That Require Immediate Attention
- Severe tearing or obvious eye pain
- Swelling of the eyelids, partially closed eye, or photophobia
- Cloudiness, haze, or color changes in the cornea
- Corneal scratches or ulcers
- Trauma to the eye or surrounding area
- Purulent discharge
- Foreign objects in the eye
- Intraocular bleeding or sudden vision loss
Common Eye Emergencies
- Corneal Ulcers: Most frequent emergency; risk of melting or perforation
- Equine Recurrent Uveitis (ERU): Severe pain; risk of iris adhesions
- Foreign Bodies: High risk of bacterial or fungal infection
- Eyelid Lacerations: Require precise repair to protect the cornea
- Acute Corneal Edema or Opacity: May indicate trauma, infection, or increased intraocular pressure
Our Hospital Services for Eye Emergencies
- Complete ophthalmic examination with slit-lamp and fluorescein staining
- Intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement
- Cytology and culture for suspected bacterial or fungal infections
- Immediate treatment for superficial and deep corneal ulcers
- Prescription of targeted antibiotic, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory therapies
- Placement of subpalpebral lavage systems for prolonged medication delivery
- Surgical repair of eyelid lacerations
- Continuous monitoring with photo and video documentation
- Referral to specialized ocular surgery when vision is at risk
Why Immediate Action is Critical
The equine eye is extremely sensitive to inflammation and infection. Delays—even as short as 12–24 hours—can result in:
- Rapid progression of corneal ulcers
- Fungal infections
- Corneal melting or necrosis
- Perforation and permanent vision loss
At our hospital, all ocular emergencies are treated as urgent cases with rapid evaluation and intervention to maximize the chance of preserving vision.