Clinical Equine Ophthalmology Practice Test 2026 – All-in-One Guide to Master Your Certification!

The most common eye problems in horses are corneal ulcers (ulceration/keratitis, sometimes with stromal abscess formation) and uveitis. Corneal ulcers are frequently seen because the horse’s eye is easily injured by trauma, foreign bodies, or repeated rubbing, leading to pain, tearing, photophobia, and visible corneal lesions. Uveitis is also very common and can occur as an inflammatory response to corneal injury, infection, systemic illness, or autoimmune processes; recurrent forms (equine recurrent uveitis) are well known and contribute to a high prevalence of inflammatory intraocular disease in horses.

Cataracts and glaucoma, while important diseases, are less common overall than corneal ulcers and uveitis. Conjunctivitis and blepharitis do occur but are not as predominant, and retinal detachment or optic neuritis are comparatively rare in horses.