Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 4: Finding out if a horse has eye problems
• Method 2 of 4: Call Your Veterinarian and Keep Your Horse Comfortable
• Method 3 of 4: Understanding the Veterinarian Examination
• Method 4 of 4: Medication and Care
• Tips
• Warnings
• What do you need

You can see that there is something wrong with your horse's eyes, but it will be difficult for you to determine what exactly. Sometimes the horse closes his eyes, which makes the examination more difficult. Use this article to know what is best to do.

Steps

Method 1 of 4: Finding out if a horse has eye problems

1. 1 Look for signs of eye problems. You may notice that a horse has one of these traits:
   • Squints or avoids sunlight
   • There is discharge in the horse's eyes
   • Horse's eye is red, hazy or cloudy
   • The horse keeps its eyes closed
   • The eye "just doesn't look right"
2. 2 Call your veterinarian if you suspect there are any signs. There are many possible causes of horse eye problems, from allergies, injuries, dirt, and other medical conditions.
   • If you have an adult horse, sometimes eye problems can be caused by being scared or by an object that the horse stumbles upon. However, older horses have fewer adult diseases than other species.

Method 2 of 4: Call Your Veterinarian and Keep Your Horse Comfortable

1. 1 Call your veterinarian. The eyes are one of the most sensitive parts of the horse's body and it is important that the veterinarian examines the eyes to determine the extent of the damage.
2. 2 Keep your horse comfortable. Before your vet arrives, you can use a damp, clean cloth to wipe any discharge from your eyes to keep your horse more comfortable.
3. 3 Protect your horse from direct sun. Hang curtains or mask over your horse's eyes to protect it from direct sunlight. Alternatively, you can put the horse indoors.

Method 3 of 4: Understanding the Veterinarian Examination

1. 1 Know what the vet will do. When the veterinarian arrives, he may use one of the nerve endings, which will force the horse to open his eyes and provide an opportunity for a thorough examination.
   • Your veterinarian will examine the eyes and orifice for any type of foreign body (such as bristles), and special drops may be applied to help if the cornea is damaged.
   • A scratch or small sod indicates a corneal ulcer, which can be very painful for your horse, depending on the degree of the ulcer.
2. 2 Understanding medicines. After the examination is over, it is possible that your veterinarian will prescribe more than one medication.
   • Banamine or eye ointments are often prescribed for swelling of the eyes.
   • Atropine drops can also be helpful for several days as they relieve soreness (blepharospasm). But your horse should be in the shade or mask, as Atropine dilates the pupils.
   • Your veterinarian will likely prescribe more antibiotics to be applied directly to the affected eye, although this will not cure the ulcer but will protect the eye from infection. Ulcers usually heal on their own.

Method 4 of 4: Medication and Care

1. 1 Apply ointment and eye drops as prescribed by your veterinarian. Usually 3-4 times a day, as the normal fluid content that the eye produces quickly dilutes the medicine.
   • If using an ointment, apply the ointment under your upper eyelid to make sure it cleans the entire eye.
   • When using drops, move the skin above the eye to open it wider.
2. 2 Follow the process. If your eyes start to look worse, or you don't notice any improvement for several days, it is best for your veterinarian to come back for another check-up. Ulcers can grow in size and even damage the inside of the eye if not actively treated when it gets worse.

Tips

• Only use ointments labeled "for ophthalmic use" as other ointments may cause more eye injury.
• Horses may need a mustard plaster when applying ointments and eye drops.

Warnings

• Be careful when using ointment or drops, as the horse may be intimidated by your hands near his eyes.
• VERY IMPORTANT: Never apply ointment or eye drops containing any type of cortisone without first knowing if there is a corneal ulcer. This can lead to a rapid worsening of peptic ulcer disease.

What do you need

• Eye ointment
• Eye drops
• Warm compresses to reduce swelling / discomfort. Many people use the soaked tea bag as a compress to help soothe their eyes.