Countryside Equine Vet, Dr. Zoe Lattimer performing an eye exam.
Opthamology

Equine Eye Care

Horses' eyes are incredibly delicate and this, combined with the horse's dependence on the sense of sight, means that any sign of a potential eye problem should be treated immediately.

The eyes are critical to the health, performance and well-being of your horse. Eye injuries can be devastating to a horse if they're not treated appropriately and with urgency.

Here at Countryside, we offer medical and surgical treatment options along with the latest drug therapies. Any damage to the horse's eye is considered an emergency.

If your horse is experiencing any eye or vision problems, call us immediately at (770) 788-7387.

What are common

Equine Eye Problems?

1
Corneal Ulcers, are sores that develop on the cornea. They are the most common eye disturbance in horses.
2
Cataracts are a condition in which the lens becomes cloudy, which then affects sight and eventually causes blindness.
3
Glaucoma is a rare, yet severe eye problem where pressure within the eye increases due to poor fluid drainage.  It occurs most frequently in older horses and Appaloosas.
4
Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common type of cancer in horses. It can affect the eyelids, the whites of the eye, or the cornea. Luckily, it does’t metastasize very often, but it can be destructive.
5
Equine Recurrent Uveitis, also known as Moon Blindness, is a leading cause of blindness in horses.
6
Blindness can affect one or both eyes and occurs in about 1 - 2% of horses.
Signs Your Horse May Have

An Injured Eye

Redness
Excessive tearing
Heavy discharge from the eye
Squinting
Swelling around the eye
Cloudiness of the eye

If your horse is excessively rubbing their eye against objects, they may be trying to relieve pain or irritation. This rubbing can easily increase trauma to your horse's eye and quickly create a serious problem.

Administering Treatment

Eye Trauma

Administering treatment for eye trauma can be challenging and painful. Management of serious eye problems often requires multiple treatments per day and may extend for several weeks.

Equine Eye Trauma Recovery
SPL (subpalpebral lavage) system
used to deliver medications directly
into the eye area.
Equine Eye Trauma Recovery
A "bubble mask" is also
used to protect the
eye further.
From the Blog

News & Articles

As many of our clients know, we love sharing our knowledge and important animal health news. Our blog contains valuable educational resources in one easy location.

Mar 4

Equine Poison Prevention Info

March is Poison Prevention Month and we've put together a guide of the most common toxic plants and shrubs in Georgia. This post also includes treats your horse will love (and those best left untouched).
More
Feb 5

The Art of Equine Acupuncture: Let’s get right to the point.

Explore how ancient wisdom meets modern equine health. Learn about acupuncture’s benefits and how it can aid in your horses performance, and well-being.
More
Jan 3

Colic Chronicles: What Every Horse Owner Should Know

Explore the depths of colic management and safeguard your horse's well-being. Learn to recognize crucial signs, understand the risks, and become a colic combatant! 🐎💡
More
Jan 6

All About Hoof Health

The foundation of a horse’s health is a strong, healthy hoof. Read on for insightful tips and proactive planning to ensure your horse has happy feet all year round.
More
Dec 6

We wish you a MARE-y Christmas

From their charming antics to the science behind their estrous cycle, read about managing mare moods, spotting signs of heat, and even balancing hormones with nutrition and supplements. Don't miss this sleigh-full of insights!
More
Dec 5

7.2 M Reasons to Celebrate Our Love of Horses

National Day of the Horse is December 13th and we're blogging about the deep emotional connections we share with these magnificent animals, a topic even the NIH is studying. Join us for this captivating read!
More
Nov 7

Care Tips for Senior Horses: Ensuring the Comfort of Your Aging Equine Companions

Prepare your senior horse for colder weather with our care guide. From assessing their body condition to ensuring proper nutrition and dental care, these tips will keep your aging equine companion healthy and content.
More
Oct 3

Understanding Equine Cushing's Disease: What Horse Owners Need to Know

Cushing's is doable with care. Recognize signs, consult your vet, consider Prascend for your horse's comfort.
More
Sep 13

Decoding Equine Pain: How to Recognize the Signs

As Pain Awareness Month begins, it's crucial to spot subtle signs of discomfort in horses, often masked by their natural ability to hide pain. By closely monitoring behavior and recognizing equine facial expressions, owners can learn to spot pain.
More
4 Mar

Equine Poison Prevention Info

March is Poison Prevention Month and we've put together a guide of the most common toxic plants and shrubs in Georgia. This post also includes treats your horse will love (and those best left untouched).
More
5 Feb

The Art of Equine Acupuncture: Let’s get right to the point.

Explore how ancient wisdom meets modern equine health. Learn about acupuncture’s benefits and how it can aid in your horses performance, and well-being.
More
3 Jan

Colic Chronicles: What Every Horse Owner Should Know

Explore the depths of colic management and safeguard your horse's well-being. Learn to recognize crucial signs, understand the risks, and become a colic combatant! 🐎💡
More
2 Jan

All About Hoof Health

The foundation of a horse’s health is a strong, healthy hoof. Read on for insightful tips and proactive planning to ensure your horse has happy feet all year round.
More
6 Dec

We wish you a MARE-y Christmas

From their charming antics to the science behind their estrous cycle, read about managing mare moods, spotting signs of heat, and even balancing hormones with nutrition and supplements. Don't miss this sleigh-full of insights!
More
5 Dec

7.2 M Reasons to Celebrate Our Love of Horses

National Day of the Horse is December 13th and we're blogging about the deep emotional connections we share with these magnificent animals, a topic even the NIH is studying. Join us for this captivating read!
More
7 Nov

Care Tips for Senior Horses: Ensuring the Comfort of Your Aging Equine Companions

Prepare your senior horse for colder weather with our care guide. From assessing their body condition to ensuring proper nutrition and dental care, these tips will keep your aging equine companion healthy and content.
More
3 Oct

Understanding Equine Cushing's Disease: What Horse Owners Need to Know

Cushing's is doable with care. Recognize signs, consult your vet, consider Prascend for your horse's comfort.
More