Disease and Surgery of the Equine Lens.

This research focuses on the importance of lens examination in horses, particularly those displaying visual impairment. It discusses cataracts, their causes, impact on vision and the surgical procedure for treatment.

Lens Examination in Horses

• The lens plays a crucial role in the overall visual system of a horse. An impaired or abnormal lens can lead to serious visual problems.
• Hence, for horses with visual impairment, or even during regular checkups or prepurchase evaluations, close examination of the lens is necessary to diagnose any issues early.
• For an effective evaluation, the pupil should be pharmacologically dilated. This enables the examiner to get a clear and detailed view of the lens.

Understanding Cataracts

• A cataract refers to any opacity or cloudiness in the lens. Changes in clarity due to cataracts can hinder light from properly reaching the retina, thus impairing vision.
• The size, density, and position of a cataract can influence how significantly it affects a horse’s vision. Smaller or less dense cataracts may cause minor vision disturbances, while larger and denser cataracts might lead to complete blindness.
• Cataracts can have different origins. They may be congenital, i.e., present at birth, or could be inherited from the parents. Cataracts can also result from other causes such as trauma to the eye or complications from equine recurrent uveitis, a painful eye condition commonly seen in horses.

Treatment for Cataracts

• Currently, the only effective treatment option for vision impairing cataracts is surgical removal. Through this procedure, the cloudy lens is removed and replaced with an artificial one to restore vision.
• However, not all horses with cataracts are suitable candidates for surgery. For the likelihood of a successful outcome, it’s important to carefully select suitable patients. The decision may depend on factors such as the horse’s general health, the extent of the cataract, and the potential for recovery and rehabilitation post-surgery.