Editor’s Note: This article is part of TheHorse.com’s ongoing coverage of topics presented at the 2012 American Association of Equine Practitioners’ Focus on Ophthalmology conference, held Sept. 6-8 in Raleigh, N.C.

The first equine uveal disorders many horse owners think of are uveitis and equine recurrent uveitis. But there are actually several other important equine uveal problems veterinarians occasionally encounter.

Brian C. Gilger, professor of ophthalmology at North Carolina State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine reviewed these relatively uncommon anomalies at the 2012 American Association of Equine Practitioners’ Focus on Ophthalmology conference, held Sept. 6-8 in Raleigh, N.C.

Gilger noted straight away that many of these abnormalities cause little to no discomfort or vision loss for the horse; however their differential diagnoses can be serious and damaging diseases. Thus, he said, it’s important to understand these innocuous conditions to avoid incorrect diagnoses