Eye Infections in Horses

antifungal and may need surgery if ulcers are present. Treatment for ERU centers on managing inflammation and reducing discomfort. Topical inflammatories and corticosteroids can help but wont prevent future flareups. In severe cases injections into the eye or surgery may be necessary.
Just because you may see improvement within a few days doesnt mean you should stop the medication before the entire course is up. Stopping treatment before the infection or injury is completely healed can result in the infection flaring up again and possibly causing more damage. In some cases the cause of the infection for example bacteria may become resistant to the medication if the full course is not administered.
When treating a horse with an eye problem be aware that the infection may affect its vision making it jumpier than usual. Talk gently so you dont surprise your horse if you walk up on a blindside.
Prognosis for Horses With Eye Infections
When treated swiftly the prognosis for horses with mild eye infections is good. However an untreated eye infection can lead to blindness and secondary infections.
The longterm prognosis for horses with ERU isnt as optimistic. More than half of horses with ERU wont be able to return to their normal levels of work and may become blind. Treatment will slow progression but is not curative 5
How to Prevent Eye Infections
Keeping your horses environment as dustfree as possible can help stave off infection. If hay is dusty or bedding is very dry you can dampen it or use other material or bedding. Make sure that sharp edges on water troughs metal buildings fences or other obstacles are covered or inaccessible to prevent your horse from wounding its eye. Pound in or pull any old nails protruding from fences or other structures. Eye and face nets may help keep flies away from your horses eyes. If you outfit your horse with a fly mask or veil ensure it isnt irritating the eye.
Check your horses eyes daily to catch the infection early and prevent it from worsening.

Types of Eye Infections in Horses
Conjunctivitis Conjunctivitis is the swelling of the conjunctiva the mucus membrane in the eye sometimes caused by infection allergen irritants or foreign objects. The conjunctiva lines the inside of the eye and extends to the cornea. Conjunctivitis will cause discharge redness and discomfort and if untreated it can lead to complications like blindness 1
ERU Equine Recurrent Uveitis or ERU causes recurring bouts of inflammation in the
eye and is the leading cause of blindness in horses. The blindness is often caused by equine glaucoma secondary to ERU. The development of ERU is complex and involves many factors including injury immune system issues and viral infection.