A specially designed surgical laser can help control fluid pressures in the eyes of horses with glaucoma and help maintain vision, but it does not alleviate the need for the continued use of topical eye medications, according to David A. Wilkie, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVO, and colleagues from the Colleges of Veterinary Medicine at Michigan State University and The Ohio State University (OSU).

Glaucoma is characterized by an increase in the intraocular pressure of the eye to a level that is not compatible with the health of the eye and vision. While it is not very common (it only affects approximately 0.07% of horses in the United States), it is frequently seen in horses with equine recurrent uveitis or moon blindness. Glaucoma in horses can be challenging to treat.

"Long-term use of topical medications is often impractical or, in some cases, impossible, depending on the location and/or temperament of the horse," said Wilkie.

He added, "In many instances, medical treatment alone does not adequately control the pressure inside the eyes of many horses with glaucoma