Equine special edition of veterinary ophthalmology.

This research article advocates for more specific and extensive research and findings on equine ophthalmology, emphasizing the need to stop ‘borrowing’ knowledge from other species like dogs, cats and humans. It discusses currently available information, innovative diagnostic procedures, treatment options, and emerging challenges in diagnosing and treating equine ocular diseases.

Background

• The article starts by acknowledging that the field of equine ophthalmology has been lagging in science in comparison to ophthalmology of other species.
• There is a concern regarding clinicians’ reliance on the ‘borrowed’ knowledge from ophthalmology of dogs, cats, and humans, instead of using equine-specific, evidence-based information.

Current Status

• The author mentions the contributions of the Veterinary Ophthalmology journal’s special equine edition in advancing equine ophthalmology.
• The edition features insights from leading veterinary immunologists, innovative diagnostic procedures, and information on new treatments for equine eye diseases.

Need for More Research

• The author asserts the urgent need for more in-depth exploration and understanding of equine ocular diseases, their diagnosis, and treatment approaches.
• The paper underscores the fact that many aspects of equine ophthalmology, including genetic ocular disorders, remain poorly understood and require further studies.

International Equine Ophthalmology Consortium (IEOC)

• The establishment of the IEOC is an effort to promote and facilitate research in equine ophthalmology.
• IEOC aims to share knowledge through international meetings, organize multicenter clinical trials/studies, promote collaborative research projects, and develop research cores to attract funding.

Future Research Directions

• The author mentions the diseases most frequently ranked by IEOC participants as requiring increased research focus. These include fungal keratitis, equine recurrent uveitis, glaucoma, and non-ulcerative keratitis amongst others.