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Tips on Examining the Equine Eye

April 20, 2009
Posted by Stacey Oke, DVM, MSc

In general, overt pathology is easy to identify because of the ease by which the equine eye can be examined. The largest challenge for general practitioners is determining the significance of subtle variations in normal eyes and recognizing the milder changes that occur in significantly diseased eyes.

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Not only is recognizing an abnormality of the equine eye important, but correctly interpreting the observed changes–which can be subtle–is imperative.

"This is particularly true for riding horses where the safety of the rider is paramount," relayed Derek Knottenbelt, OBE, BVM&S, Dipl. ECEIM, MRCVS, from the Philip Leverhulme Hospital at the University of Liverpool in the United Kingdom during the 10th International Congress of World Equine Veterinary Association.

"In general, overt pathology is easy to identify because of the ease by which the equine eye can be examined. The largest challenge for general practitioners is determining the significance of subtle variations in normal eyes and recognizing the milder changes that occur in significantly diseased eyes," he continued.

During his presentation, Knottenbelt explained that proper equipment and restraint of the horse is essential prior to embarking on any ophthalmic examination

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Written by:

Stacey Oke, DVM, MSc

Stacey Oke, MSc, DVM, is a practicing veterinarian and freelance medical writer and editor. She is interested in both large and small animals, as well as complementary and alternative medicine. Since 2005, she’s worked as a research consultant for nutritional supplement companies, assisted physicians and veterinarians in publishing research articles and textbooks, and written for a number of educational magazines and websites.