Can Horses Live With Cataracts?

Small cataracts or cataracts which are on the periphery of the lens often do not affect vision of the horse, so monitoring the eye over the horses life may be all that is required. Horses cope well without vision in one eye – especially if the vision worsens gradually and they can adapt.

How do cataracts affect horses?

Cataracts are a condition in which the lens becomes cloudy, which affects sight and eventually causes total blindness. In foals, cataracts are the most common congenital defect of the eye. They are inherited in Belgian and Morgan horses. Cataracts usually occur in both eyes.

Can cataracts become inoperable?

If you wait too long, your cataracts can become “hyper-mature”, which makes them more difficult to remove, and can cause surgery complications. In general, the best outcomes for cataract surgery take place when surgery is performed soon after vision problems develop.

Can you go permanently blind from cataracts?

If left untreated, cataracts will eventually cause total blindness. The good news is that cataracts can be easily treated. The primary treatment for cataracts is surgery to remove and replace the cloudy lens.

How can you tell if your horse is going blind?

Changes in the coloration of the eyeball (white or blue haze), hair loss and/or redness around the eye, and mild squinting are also indicative that something is wrong. It is common for horses to rub their eyes when there’s mild discomfort, and this conduct may exacerbate the initial problem.

How much is cataract surgery for a horse?

This procedure is performed under light sedation and is approximately $1,100 (one eye) – $1,600 (both eyes).

What causes cataracts to worsen quickly?

Trauma-related cataracts are typically the most fast-growing type of cataracts. Radiation: Radiation-related cataracts, sometimes listed under trauma-related cataracts, occur after the lens has been exposed to radiation. Exposure to high levels of radiation can result in clouded vision in as little as two years.

What happens if a cataract is left untreated?

If cataracts are left untreated, they will eventually cause significant disruption in everyday life and interfere with normal activities like driving a car or watching television. Ultimately, complete vision loss will result.

What happens if you ignore cataracts?

Left untreated, cataracts can progress and put you at risk for accidental injuries, glaucoma, and even blindness. After leaving your symptoms untreated for a long time, cataract surgery becomes more difficult and puts you at a higher risk for complications.

What happens if you don’t get rid of cataracts?

What happens if cataracts are left untreated? Untreated cataracts will eventually block light from entering the eye and result in a loss of vision. Worldwide, they are the leading cause of blindness.

How long does it take for cataracts to worsen?

Most age-related cataracts can progress gradually over a period of years. It is not possible to predict exactly how fast cataracts will develop in any given person. Some cataracts, especially in younger people and people with diabetes, may progress rapidly over a short time.

Are cataracts painful?

Cataracts don’t usually hurt. But they can cause discomfort by making your eyes more sensitive to light.

Should cataracts always be removed?

In most cases, waiting to have cataract surgery won’t harm your eye, so you have time to consider your options. If your vision is still quite good, you may not need cataract surgery for many years, if ever.

When should you euthanize a blind horse?

Blind horses that persist in exhibiting dangerous behavior after being allowed a generous trial period for adjustment may need to be euthanized for safety reasons. In other instances, owners may not have the resources to provide a suitable environment for a sightless horse.

How do you treat cataracts in horses?

No medication will dissolve cataracts and cataracts are only resolved by surgical removal. Some equine cataracts can be removed by phacoemulsification and replaced by an intraocular lens, but this surgery is not an option for all horses.

Should I euthanize blind horse?

Don’t euthanize a horse just because it’s going blind.
However, you should not euthanize a horse just because it is going blind. Many horses adjust well to blindness and can live happy lives without sight.

Can you ride a horse after cataract surgery?

Any strenuous activity, including exercise, should be put on hold for at least a week. You can go back to activities, such as walking, running, and bike riding usually a week after cataract surgery. You should consult your doctor for your specific case.

What age do horses get cataracts?

Cataracts are generally caused by eye injuries and or eye diseases such as Uveitis and not limited to any particular age group however it is known to most commonly occur with either young foals or much older horses, older horses being the more common of the two age groups.

Why is my horse’s eye cloudy?

A milky appearance can indicate that a cataract is forming as a result of on-going inflammation. A cloudy look to the entire globe. Fungal infections and inflammatory disease can cause a horse’s eye to take on a hazy, bluish appearance.

What foods fight cataracts?

Omega-3 fatty acids are also known to reduce the risk of cataract development and progression. Good sources of omega-3 fatty acids include shrimp, tuna, cod, salmon, halibut, trout, herring, walnut, flaxseed oil, canola oil and spinach. Eat fish at least twice per week to nourish your eyes and protect your vision.

Can anything slow down cataracts?

Research has shown that eating foods that contain the healthy vitamins C and E, and lutein and zeaxanthin, may reduce your risk of cataracts. Additionally, if you already have cataracts, these vitamins and nutrients may slow their progression.