Without the eyelid to protect the sensitive structures of the eye, the horse would go blind very quickly. | Photo: Photos.com

Editor’s Note: This article was revised by the author to reflect new and updated information in November 2017.

This month we continue our in-depth look at the equine eye by focusing on eyelids. Without the eyelid to protect the sensitive structures of the eye, the horse would go blind very quickly. Therefore, even small injuries are important and require veterinary attention.

The functions of the eyelids are to protect the cornea from dust and injury, produce and distribute the tear film, pump tears into the tear drainage system, serve as a source of inflammatory cells in the event of corneal injury, and help control the amount of light entering the eye