b'Dealing WithDeterioratingVISIONSTACEY OKE, DVM, MSCI t might appear that your horses arePractitioners (AAEP). Thus, declining eyesight in grazing in the field without a carethese animals can have devastating consequences in the world when, in reality, all offor their handler or rider, other horses in the herd, and themselves.their senses, particularly their vi- As many owners know from personal experi-sion, are in red alert mode, activelyence, ocular tissues are extremely sensitive. Infec-monitoring the environment for poten- tion, trauma, dry eye, and increased intraocular tial danger. Their large eyes with hori- pressure (glaucoma) can range from extremely zontally fashioned, elliptically shapedirritating to downright agonizing for people. An acutely red, painful, and irritated eye in your pupils help maximize their ability tohorse that he continues to rub clearly indicates a scan the horizon. problem mandating a veterinary visit. But do you think you would recognize deteriorating eyesight Not only are horses reliant on their visionor other nonacute or nonemergency ocular issues for safety as a prey species, they also requirein your horse? excellent vision as athletes, says Ann E. Dwyer,Researchers on a soon-to-be published study DVM, a private practitioner at Genesee Valleyfound that recognizing ocular abnormalities is no Equine Clinic, in Scottsville, New York, and pasteasy feat. In fact, one might say its much like not president of the American Association of Equineseeing the forest for the trees. 22November 2018The Horse | TheHorse.com'