Eye problems in the horse were discussed by Dennis Brooks, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVO, a professor of ophthalmology at the University of Florida, at Horseman's Day during AAEP.

"There are really only two ophthalmic disease: Corneal ulcers and everything else," said Brooks. Therapies are different, and some therapies for the "everything else" can make ulcers worse, cautioned Brooks.

He has been seeing more corneal stromal abscesses–or small spots of infection–in horse corneas. These horses are painful and fluorescein stain doesn't work (to show the defect). There is a small puncture in the cornea with introduction of microbes or a foreign body. Epithelial cells migrate over the hole or defect and form an abscess.

"It is often misdiagnosed," he said. "Many cases are fungal, so they are medically non-responsive. These horses need corneal transplants