Cataract

Cataract is an opacity of the lens which can appear as a small discrete area in the body of the lens, or as a stellate structure, or affect the whole lens.

Cause
Cataracts in foals under one year old will probably be of congenital origin. Senile cataracts are rare in horses and if present are a sequel to periodic ophthalmia or due to damage following a blow or fall.

Symptoms
Most cataracts are generally first noticed when the light strikes the eye at a particular angle. A grey haze or denser opacity covers the whole of the lens. Cataracts become denser and larger as time goes on.

Treatment
Removal of the affected lens will restore some vision. This is most successfull when carried out on foals.