The eyes have it

A horse's eye is vulnerable, and problems can quickly become serious. Karen Coumbe MRCVS explains what to look out for to keep your horse's vision safe

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HORSES have almost 360-degree vision, essentially so that they can watch in all directions for predators approaching, at the same time as grazing. This all-round vision has resulted in the horse having big and beautiful eyes that protrude on each side of their head.

A horse's eyes are more exposed than human eyes, which are relatively safely tucked into concave eye sockets. The prominent position makes the equine eye vulnerable to both blunt and sharp traumatic injury. Even minor damage to an eye can rapidly worsen and threaten a horse's sight, so always take eye injuries seriously and seek veterinary advice promptly.

A prompt visit by your vet is advised if there is:

• an eyelid wound
• a closed eye
• a partially closed eye with tears or pus coming from the eye
• an eyeball that suddenly turns cloudy or develops a discoloured area
• a painful eye, especially if there is also increased sensitivity to light

Signs of eye disease are nonspecific. It can be hard to differentiate between a mildly irritated eye that has been bothered by flies and a truly sore eye. If one or both eyes are watery, but the eyes are wide open, it is hopefully minor.

A problem affecting one eye only can be an indication of something more serious. Always look out for other more subtle signs, such as downward-pointing eyelashes indicating a partially closed eyelid, or other subtle signs of eye trauma, such as discolouration.

Take special note of eye issues in horses prescribed bute, which can mask pain. Similarly, ponies with equine Cushing's disease (vet clinic, 25 July 2024) can be more vulnerable, as the disease can affect their tear film and general eye health.