Current developments in equine cataract surgery.

This research article presents a review of the advances in equine cataract surgery in the last half-century. It highlights the evolution of surgical techniques, the development of horse-specific tools, and the growing importance of preoperative patient assessment and intraocular lens implantation to enhance postoperative visual outcomes.

Evolution of Equine Cataract Surgery

• The article discusses the evolution of equine cataract surgery over the last 50 years and compares it with techniques used in human ophthalmology and other veterinary species. While there are similarities, unique differences necessitate specific approaches to lens removal and intraocular lens implantation in horses.
• The article also notes that changes in surgical techniques have been largely dictated by the large size of the adult equine globe, or eye. This has compelled the development and introduction of species-specific instruments that have greatly improved the surgery over the last 15 to 20 years.
• Early techniques involved aspiration, a process first implemented nearly 40 years ago in foals to treat congenital cataracts. More recently, however, phacofragmentation (or phacoemulsification) techniques have become routine, more so in mature horses undergoing lens extraction. Phacoemulsification involves the fragmentation of the lens using ultrasound, followed by aspiration of the fragments.

Development of Equine-Specific Intraocular Lens Implant

• The ongoing development of an equine-specific foldable intraocular lens implant (IOL) is another major subject of discussion in the article. The development of these lenses specifically for horses is crucial to improving post-operative visual outcomes, and the article underscores the increasing collection of data supporting their use.

The Importance of Pre-operative Patient Assessment

• Pre-operative patient assessment is another key focus of the paper. The use of ocular ultrasonography, electroretinography, and streak retinoscopy is becoming increasingly important in both assessing the visual capacity of the patient and the potential effects of IOL implantation on the globe.
• These methods provide crucial information that helps in the further development of IOL for horses and in determining suitable surgical protocols.
• The authors hope to make more equine veterinarians aware of these significant advancements in equine cataract surgery, paving the way for better visual outcomes for horses that undergo cataract surgeries.