Visual outcomes of phacoemulsification cataract surgery in horses: 1990-2013.
Abstract: To evaluate the long-term visual outcome of phacoemulsification lens extraction surgery in foals and horses and identify any unique postoperative complications that affect the visual outcome. Methods: This is a retrospective medical records study of phacoemulsification cataract surgery in 95 foals and horses from 1990 to 2013. Results: Cataracts were removed by phacoemulsification from 111 eyes of 95 horses ranging in age from 22 days to 26 years (average 8.0 ± 5.7 years). Forty-four of the 95 animals were foals (46.3%). Sixteen horses or foals had surgery bilaterally. One hundred and two eyes were blind preoperatively with 97 eyes (95.1%) having evidence of vision immediately postoperatively. Ninety of the 95 horses (94.7%) regained vision in the immediate postoperative period. Five horses did not recover vision postoperatively. Twenty-four horses had cataracts associated with equine recurrent uveitis (ERU). Trauma was noted as the cause of cataract in 10 horses, and no specific cause for the cataract identified in 61 horses. The combined visual outcome data from horses with all types of cataracts (n = 95) found 83 (87.3%) horses to be visual ≤1 month postoperatively, 47 (49.4%) horses visual for >1-6 months postoperatively, 33 (34.7%) horses visual from >6 to 12 months postoperatively, and 25 horses (26.3%) visual >24 months postoperatively. Conclusions: The results of phacoemulsification cataract surgery in horses indicate at least 26.3% of horses are still visual and able to continue their natural activity for 2 years or more postoperatively.
© 2014 American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists.
Publication Date: 2014-04-28 PubMed ID: 24774226DOI: 10.1111/vop.12168Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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This study investigates the effectiveness and long-term visual outcomes of cataract removal surgery, specifically phacoemulsification, in horses. The findings suggest that the majority of horses regain vision post-surgery, with at least 26.3% maintaining sight for two years or more.
Study Details and Methods
- This is a retrospective study over a 23-year period (1990 to 2013) examining 95 horses and foals that underwent phacoemulsification cataract surgery.
- The horses ranged in age from 22 days to 26 years, with an average age of 8 years. Forty-four of the animals treated were foals.
- Sixteen of the animals had surgery performed on both eyes.
Findings and Results
- Of 102 eyes that were blind before surgery, vision was restored in 97 cases (95.1%) immediately after surgery.
- Overall, 94.7% of the horses regained vision in the immediate postoperative period.
- However, five horses did not recover vision after surgery.
- The study also discovered that 24 horses had cataracts associated with equine recurrent uveitis (ERU). Trauma was identified as the cause of cataracts in 10 horses, while for 61 horses, no specific cause was identified.
- Analysing the data from all types of cataracts, 83 out of 95 horses had vision up to one month after surgery. The number decreased to 47 between one to six months, to 33 from six to twelve months, and to 25 who maintained vision for more than two years post surgery.
Conclusions and Implications
- The results of the study indicate that phacoemulsification cataract surgery was effective in restoring vision in horses, and maintaining it for a significant duration post-surgery.
- A minimum of 26.3% of horses were still able to see and continue with their natural activity two or more years post-surgery.
- This research provides valuable information for veterinarians and horse owners, offering insight into the long-term outcomes of cataract surgery in horses, and its potential for enhancing the animals’ quality of life.
Cite This Article
APA
Brooks DE, Plummer CE, Carastro SM, Utter ME.
(2014).
Visual outcomes of phacoemulsification cataract surgery in horses: 1990-2013.
Vet Ophthalmol, 17 Suppl 1, 117-128.
https://doi.org/10.1111/vop.12168 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Cataract / veterinary
- Female
- Horse Diseases / surgery
- Horses
- Male
- Phacoemulsification / adverse effects
- Phacoemulsification / methods
- Phacoemulsification / veterinary
- Postoperative Period
- Treatment Outcome
- Vision Disorders / etiology
- Vision Disorders / veterinary
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