Moon Blindness in Horses
Moon blindness an inflammatory eye condition was historically named for its misperceived association with the moons phases. We now know that moon blindness has nothing to do with the moon but can recur over the course of weeks or months. It causes pain and discoloration of the eye and affected horses are very sensitive to bright sunlight. Some horse breeds seem to be more susceptible than othersappaloosas in particular. Because this condition is progressive and can cause blindness owners should seek veterinary help as soon as symptoms appear.
What Is Moon Blindness?
Technically known as equine recurrent uveitis ERU moon blindness is generally considered to be an autoimmune condition characterized by recurrent inflammatory episodes in one or both eyes. It is the most common cause of blindness in horses 1
Symptoms of Moon Blindness
Symptoms of moon blindness involve one or both eyes. A horse will be reluctant to be in bright sunlight exhibiting signs of pain or irritation that are not relieved by antibiotic treatment.
Some horses with moon blindness may suffer recurrent bouts of inflammation followed by relatively painless periods. Others experience constant lowlevel inflammation. Owners may initially attribute redness tearing and squinting to an environmental irritant or eye infection but measures to treat these conditions will have little effect on moon blindness.
Moon blindness is regarded as recurrent because it appears to clear up and then spontaneously reoccurs. For some horses the recurrence may occur over years or flareups may occur far more frequently episodes happening within weeks or even days.
Untreated moon blindness can lead to cataract formation or prolonged inflammation both of which are likely to lead to permanent blindness.
Causes of Moon Blindness
There are several possible causes for moon blindness although a genetic predisposition to autoimmunity probably underlies external triggers which may include
Diagnosing Moon Blindness in Horses
To diagnose moon blindness your
