Very Common
Less Common
You also might be observing
Observation
What you see. The starting point for addressing any equine health related issue is your observation.
YOU ARE OBSERVING
Masses, Strands or Floaters within Eyeball
Summary
Occasionally, strange bodies appear within the equine eyeball. Normal healthy horses have a projection from the top part of the iris known as the corpora nigra, which might be mistaken for an abnormality. This structure is thought to provide shade to the pupil and reduce glare, similar to a ball cap bill. The corpora nigra takes many shapes and forms in different horses. See the related media record Equine Eye, for a visual reference.
Tumors and cysts can be seen within the eyeball, especially near the colored part of the eye (iris). Strands or webs may be indicative of prior eye disease.
Tiny, moving pale or clear appearing bubbles are known as vitreous floaters. These are fairly common and are usually not considered a problem. Occasionally, parasites can be seen in the front chamber of the eye.
Tumors and cysts can be seen within the eyeball, especially near the colored part of the eye (iris). Strands or webs may be indicative of prior eye disease.
Tiny, moving pale or clear appearing bubbles are known as vitreous floaters. These are fairly common and are usually not considered a problem. Occasionally, parasites can be seen in the front chamber of the eye.
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Code Red
Call Your Vet Immediately, Even Outside Business Hours- If you notice other problems with the eye or the eye seems inflamed and painful.
- If the appearance of the mass seems to be changing rapidly.
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Code Yellow
Contact Your Vet at Your Convenience for an Appointment- If the eye appears otherwise normal.
your role
What To Do
Examine both of your horse's eyes carefully, and compare the affected to unaffected eye. Try to assess vision using the menace gesture.
If you have any difficulty discerning whether an eye-related mass is normal or not, share your findings and concerns with your vet. Take a photo of the suspected abnormality (using good light and close up view) and send it to your vet for discussion.
Skills you may need
Procedures that you may need to perform on your horse.
Very Common
your vet's role
When it comes to the eye, your vet knows what is normal and what is not. Some subtle abnormalities may be of questionable significance. In that case, they may recommend sharing the images with a veterinary ophthalmologist.
Questions Your Vet Might Ask:
- Are one or both eyes affected?
- Can you see anything else going on with the eye(s)?
- Does the eye look normal otherwise?
- Is the horse showing signs of eye discomfort like squinting or blinking?
- Do the left and right eye look the same to you?
- Do you notice any change in the surface of the eye?
- Does the horse have a menace response?
Diagnostics Your Vet May Perform
Figuring out the cause of the problem. These are tests or procedures used by your vet to determine what’s wrong.
Very Common
Less Common
Diagnoses Your Vet May Consider
The cause of the problem. These are conditions or ailments that are the cause of the observations you make.
Very Common
Less Common
Treatments Your Vet May Recommend
A way to resolve the condition or diagnosis. Resolving the underlying cause or treating the signs of disease (symptomatic treatment)
Very Common
further reading & resources
Helpful Terms and Topics
Written, reviewed or shared by experts in equine health