Understanding Moon Blindness

If you suspect that your horse has uveitis CALL YOUR VET.

What are the symptoms?
The most common signs are puffy, watering eyes, squinting, redness and pupil constriction while indoors. Horses will often be very light sensitive and head shy. In some eyes you may notice a white cloudiness or a blue or green tint.

Other signs may include head shaking, a runny nose, white spots or bleeding in the eye, matter or pus collecting, loss of balance, tripping, running into things or rubbing the eye.

How is it diagnosed?
A veterinarian can diagnose the condition by administering a fluroescein dye. The dye will appear as a green color in the eyes of an affected horse.

How is it treated?
As soon as signs are noticed, treatment for ERU should start immediately to prevent further damage. The main goal is to try to preserve vision, control inflammation in the eye to halt further damage, and relieve pain. The earlier treatment is begun, the better chance for a good outcome.

Treatment includes anti-inflammatory eye drops and drops that dilate the pupil. Stabling in a dark stall or cover the eyes with a hood may decrease pain.

Long term maintenance treatment will often include aspirin, bute or banamine on a regular basis in an attempt to keep the inflammation from starting. Many horses wear fly masks to cut down on the light. Dietary supplements may help support the immune system.

How is it prevented?
Some tips to prevent or manage common moon blindness triggers:

• Minimize bright light exposure
• Reduce light, wind and pollen exposure with a fly mask
• Manage stress
• Control flies
• Change bedding frequently to control manure and ammonia buildup
• Routine worming and vaccines
• Minimize contact with cattle or wildlife
• Drain stagnant ponds or restrict access to swampy pastures
• Maximize equine nutrition

In addition to the standard treatments, owners are experimenting with alternative methods such as acupuncture, MSM, vitamins, yucca, apis mullica, bee pollen, clovite, chiropractic, herbs, hot and cold compresses and riboflavin.

Equine recurrent uveitis is a painful condition for your horse, and it needs treatment. Any horse with eye pain, squinting, sensitivity to light, and/or excess tearing should be examined by a veterinarian and possibly by a veterinary ophthalmologist to determine the exact cause.

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