Another option is to remove all ocular contents of the eye and replace them with a silicone ball. Cyclosporine is a new promising treatment. It is an immunosuppressive agent that is implanted behind the sclera, where medication is absorbed.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a condition when fluid in the eye can’t properly drain so it builds up causing increased inside the eye. This can lead to permanent damage to the retina or optic nerve and eventually blindness.
Glaucoma can be idiopathic, due to displacement of the
or caused by chronic or
recurrent uveitis.
Signs include pain, redness, tearing, cloudiness of the cornea, dilated pupil, enlarged & bulging eyeball, protrusion of the 3 rd eyelid and vision loss. It is treated by lowering the pressure within the eye with medicated drops as well as anti- inflammatories and topical CS. surgery can be done to temporarily destroy the cells that produce the fluid. Shunts can be inserted to drain the fluid & relieve pressure. If the eye becomes blind, it should be removed or replaced with a prosthetic due to the pain associated with glaucoma.
Cataract
Cataracts are
within the lens. They can vary in size causing little visual
impairment or complete blindness.
Cataracts can be
, acquired (due to trauma or chronic inflammation) or
senile.
Congenital – Belgians, TB or Morgans are more predisposed. Occurs following eye inflammation of the foal in utero or shortly after birth. These tend not to cause many issues. Acquired – occurs following an injury that perforates the eye and involves the lens. These cataracts tend to be and permanent. ERU is the most common cause. Senile – due to the normal aging process of the eye. Horses over 20 years are predisposed.
Signs & symptoms include a
lens or white discolouration of the pupil. Large
cataracts can cause inflammation of the eye.
Cataracts only need to be treated if they impair vision. This includes anti-inflammatory meds, cataract surgery or specialized prosthetic lens implants which can help restore some vision.
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