Oh dear, my horse has something wrong with his eye!
Horses have beautiful, large, and expressive eyes. With those eyes, they can almost see all around them. They can perceive any enemy or gnome, often long before their human has seen anything. But those beautiful horse eyes are also vulnerable. Here is an overview of the most common eye problems in horses.
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13 April '22 • 3 min reading time
Because horses have large protruding eyes, it is relatively easy for something to get in them. Sand, bacteria, branches, another horse's tail... In general, eye problems in your horse should not be ignored or 'waited out'. Always consult your veterinarian. Sometimes it is harmless and easy to treat, but often you need to intervene in time to prevent worse. So do not try to doctor it yourself or endlessly use boiled water!
Eye inflammation: conjunctivitis
A common problem is inflammation of the eye's mucous membrane. This is also known as conjunctivitis. You can recognize it by excessive tearing or some pus at the corner of the eye. The eye mucous membranes are then red and somewhat swollen, but the pupil reflex is good. Eye inflammations often occur in summer, due to flies or dust. It is important to make sure there is not (also) a corneal abrasion before treating the inflammation. The veterinarian will give you drops or an ointment if your horse has conjunctivitis. A fly mask can help prevent these types of eye inflammations.
Corneal abrasions
If something gets into your horse's eye, like a branch, sand, or even a hair, it can cause a small or larger abrasion of the cornea, or the outer layer of the eye. Your horse will often squint and tear excessively. A larger abrasion can be seen as a blueish or greyish spot on the cornea. It is important to call your vet immediately if you think your horse has a corneal abrasion! Prompt treatment with eye drops or ointment is necessary to prevent worsening. Large inflammations can also occur with major abrasions. In severe cases, it may even be necessary to remove the eye!
Wounds
Wounds near the eye or on the eyelid should be kept clean and treated immediately or stitched. Especially a tear in the eyelid should be neatly stitched to prevent dust and other debris from entering the eye, which can lead to recurring eye inflammations and corneal abrasions.
Moon blindness
Moon blindness is a condition of the deeper part of the eye, affecting the iris and its surrounding parts. It is likely an autoimmune disease. Moon blindness is characterized by flakes in the eye, a small pupil, and a lack of pupil reflex. The eye often tears or shows a blueish glow. Moon blindness is very painful, usually affects only one eye, and is the most common cause of blindness in horses. It is recurrent. Call your vet if you suspect your horse is suffering from moon blindness. They will provide eye drops or ointment and painkillers for your horse. Treatment is often long-term.
Other eye problems in horses
Tumors on the third eyelid are occasionally seen in Haflingers. If you notice a pink flap in the eye corner, it is important to seek veterinary attention. Sometimes the tumor may even be on the eyeball itself.
Conclusion: Pay attention to teary eyes
If your horse has teary eyes and is squinting, be vigilant. Make sure to check if both eyes are affected or if only one eye is causing problems. See if you can still observe a pupil reflex. If your horse has just stood in a dust cloud, there may not be much to worry about. But if in doubt, call your vet or send them a photo of the affected eye. Remember, when it comes to eye problems, the sooner you address them, the better!
