Equine Recurrent Uveitis: New Weapons Against an Old Enemy

Equine recurrent uveitis has a significant impact on the horse industry. it is the most common cause of (unilateral) blindness. Because of the recurrent nature of Eru it is important to note any signs of earlier episodes during prepurchase examination.

For many centuries it was impossible to treat Eru effectively. then, for several decades atropine and corticosteroids could be used effectively against the uveitis, but there was no way to prevent recurrence. now that we have the possibility to use a suprachoroidal Cyclosporin a (Csa)-releasing device or a vitrectomy, it should be possible to halt dam- age to the eye by preventing further recurrences. a complete overview on Eru can be found in Equine ophthalmology (BC Gilger 2nd Edition, Elsevier Saunders).

Both implantation of a Csa device and vitrectomy, like all surgical treatments, carry a risk of complications. therefore they should be reserved for cases where the recurrent nature of the uveitis has been proven (i.e. not after the first episode of uveitis). also, these treatments will never be able to stop recurrence in 100% of cases. therefore, for horses that have lost vision in the affected eye and still have episodes of (painful) uvei- tis, enucleation of the eye is the better option. [...]