Equine Ophthalmology and Eye Care in Covington, GA

The eyes are critical to the health, performance, and well-being of your horse; however, they’re incredibly delicate. Even minor eye issues can escalate quickly, making early detection and treatment critical. At Countryside Equine Hospital, we provide advanced medical and surgical solutions, along with the latest drug therapies, to address a wide range of equine eye conditions.

Due to the sensitive nature of a horse's eyes, any signs of discomfort or injury should be treated as an emergency. Prompt intervention can help prevent long-term complications and preserve your horse’s vision.

If you suspect an eye issue in your horse, contact our team immediately at (770) 787-4711 for an appointment.

Common Equine Eye Conditions

Horses are prone to several eye conditions that can impact their vision and comfort. Some of the most common include:

Corneal Ulcers

Corneal ulcers are among the most frequent equine eye conditions, occurring when the surface of the eye becomes damaged or irritated. Without prompt treatment, they can lead to severe complications.

Cataracts

Cataracts cause cloudiness of the lens, leading to vision impairment and, in some cases, complete blindness. Early detection and management are key to slowing progression.

Glaucoma

This condition results from increased pressure within the eye due to improper fluid drainage. Though rare, glaucoma is a serious condition that requires immediate attention, and is most commonly seen in older horses and Appaloosas.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)

As the second most common type of cancer in horses, SCC can affect the eyelids, conjunctiva, or cornea. While it rarely spreads to other areas, it can be locally aggressive if left untreated.

Equine Recurrent Uveitis (Moon Blindness)

As the leading cause of blindness in horses, this inflammatory condition can occur repeatedly and result in permanent vision loss if not properly managed.

Blindness

Vision loss, whether partial or complete, can significantly impact a horse's quality of life and occurs in approximately 1-2% of horses.

Signs of Equine Eye Problems

Early recognition of eye issues can prevent long-term damage. Contact us if your horse is exhibiting any of the following symptoms:

  • Redness
  • Excessive tearing
  • Heavy discharge
  • Squinting
  • Swelling around the eye
  • Cloudiness or changes in the eye's appearance
  • Rubbing or scratching the eye against objects

Persistent irritation or trauma caused by rubbing can escalate eye problems, so seek veterinary attention promptly if you notice your horse experiencing ocular discomfort.

Our Equine Eye Care Services

At Countryside Equine Hospital, we are equipped with the expertise and technology to diagnose and treat numerous equine eye conditions. Our services include:

Comprehensive Eye Exams

We conduct thorough ocular assessments to detect issues early and guide appropriate treatment plans.

Medical and Surgical Treatment

From medications to advanced surgical procedures, we offer a full spectrum of care to help preserve your horse’s vision and comfort.

Subpalpebral Lavage (SPL) Systems

Medicating a painful, injured eye is no easy task, so we implement specialized systems that allow for precise, consistent medication delivery directly into the eye for effective treatment.

Protective Eye Care Solutions

Protecting an injured eye while it’s healing is half the battle. We use bubble masks and other innovative solutions to prevent further injury and promote healing.

Managing eye conditions often requires ongoing treatment and monitoring. Our experienced team is here to guide you through every step of your horse’s recovery.

Preserve Your Horse’s Vision with Equine Eye Care

We know how incredibly important your horse’s vision is to their performance, happiness, and comfort, which is why we have invested heavily in innovative ophthalmological tools and treatments to help protect their eyesight.

If your horse is showing signs of eye discomfort or vision problems, don’t wait—contact us today at (770) 787-4711 to ensure they receive prompt care.