Equine Ocular Trauma Study Guide

Overview and Clinical Importance

Ocular trauma is one of the most common ophthalmic emergencies encountered in equine practice. Horses are uniquely predisposed to eye injuries due to their large, laterally positioned, prominent globes that protrude from shallow bony orbits. Combined with their flighty temperament, curious nature, and environments containing potential hazards such as bucket handles, fencing, and vegetation, horses frequently sustain ocular injuries ranging from minor corneal abrasions to globe rupture.

The equine globe measures approximately 48mm horizontally and 44mm anteroposteriorly in adult horses, making it one of the largest eyes among land mammals. This large surface area increases vulnerability to traumatic insults. Any suspected ocular trauma should be treated as an emergency requiring evaluation within 12 hours of discovery, as delayed treatment can result in permanent vision loss or globe loss.

Clinical Presentation and Initial Assessment

Clinical Signs of Ocular Trauma

Horses with ocular trauma typically present with one or more of the following signs, which may be unilateral or bilateral depending on the mechanism of injury: