Approach to Immune-mediated Ocular Diseases.

This research article discusses the approach, diagnosis, and management of immune-mediated eye inflammation in horses. It primarily focuses on keratitis and uveitis – diseases which are typically confirmed through a process of exclusion and responsive tests.

Overview of Immune-mediated Ocular Diseases

• The article explores immune-mediated ocular inflammation, a common condition in horses diagnosed when they present with keratitis (cornea inflammation) and uveitis (uvea inflammation).
• This inflammation is usually considered an immune-mediated disease after an exhaustive process to eliminate other potential causes of the inflammation, particularly infectious diseases and neoplastic (cancerous) diseases.

Diagnostic process and Confirmation

• From a practical standpoint, the response to certain medications plays a significant role in diagnosing immune-mediated ocular inflammation. Specifically, the reaction to ophthalmic and systemic anti-inflammatory drugs or drugs that modulate the immune system’s response (immunomodulatory medications) helps to confirm this diagnosis.
• However, using these medications is often not advisable if an infection or neoplastic disease is present because they can potentially exacerbate these conditions.

Approach to Diagnosis and Management

• The article presents a summary of the latest understanding and methods for diagnosing and managing immune-mediated keratitis and recurrent or insidious uveitis in horses.
• Recurrent uveitis, also known as moon blindness, is a condition where inflammation of the uvea occurs repeatedly over time. Insidious uveitis, on the other hand, slowly and subtly progresses without displaying overt symptoms.
• The study provides insight into the various strategies used to manage and treat these conditions effectively by considering the unique physiological responses of horses.