Eye Diseases

As veterinarians, we see a wide variety of eye issues in horses.

Because of their large size and exposed position, equine eyes are particularly vulnerable to injury, irritation and disease. Many of these conditions are painful and can progress rapidly, making early recognition and prompt veterinary care essential to preserving vision and comfort.

Corneal Ulcers: Corneal ulcers occur when the surface of the eye is scratched or damaged, often by trauma, dust or foreign material. Horses with ulcers may squint, tear excessively or develop cloudiness. These lesions are painful and can worsen quickly, so immediate treatment is critical.

Conjunctivitis: Often called “pink eye,” conjunctivitis is inflammation of the tissue lining the eyelids and eye surface. It can be caused by dust, flies, pollen or infection. Typical signs include redness, swelling and discharge. While some cases are mild, persistent irritation requires veterinary evaluation.

Uveitis (Equine Recurrent Uveitis): Uveitis is one of the most serious equine eye diseases and a leading cause of blindness. It involves inflammation inside the eye and may occur as a single episode or as recurring flare-ups. Common signs include tearing, squinting, cloudiness and sensitivity to light. ERU is progressive and often painful, requiring long-term management.

Cataracts: Cataracts appear as cloudiness in the lens of the eye. They may be congenital, develop after trauma or inflammation or occur with aging. The impact on vision depends on size and severity.Some horses manage well, but advanced cases may cause blindness and require surgical evaluation.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): SCC is the most common eye-related cancer in horses, particularly those with light skin around the eyes. It often presents as a raised, pink, ulcerated growth on the eyelids, third eyelid, or cornea. Early detection and treatment are essential, as SCC can be invasive if untreated.

Any abnormality in a horse’s eye, such as squinting, cloudiness, redness, swelling, tearing or unusual discharge should be treated as urgent! Unlike some health conditions that allow for monitoring, eye issues can deteriorate within hours or days, making timely care critical.