Visual outcomes of phacoemulsification cataract surgery in horses: 1990–2013

Abstract

The results of phacoemulsification cataract surgery in horses indicate at least 26.3% of horses are still visual and able to continue their natural activity for 2 years or more postoperatively.

Eye examination as part of the equine prepurchase examination

“…While technical procedures for cataract surgery have evolved and improved in the last decade, the results remain relatively poor, with only 25% of horses remaining visual 2 years after surgery (Brooks et al . ).…”

Cataracts: Clinical presentations, diagnosis and management

“…If the horses lost to follow‐up were considered blind, then the percentage of horses that retained vision after 12 months falls to 33%, a rate similar to the Brooks et al . () study. Complications following surgery can also result in loss of the globe (Fife et al .…”

“…At more than 2 years post operatively only 26% remained visual (Brooks et al . ). Perhaps the visual outcome was better than 26% as horses that were lost to follow‐up were considered failures but might still have retained vision.…”

“…The posterior capsule is very thin and mobile in horses and can easily be torn during phacoemulsification if one is not exceedingly cautious (Brooks ; Whitley ; Brooks et al . ; Edelmann et al . ).…”

“…Potential intraocular complications include iris or corpora nigra prolapse through the incision, corpora nigra haemorrhage, miosis, capsular tears, loss of lens material into the vitreous through posterior capsular tears, vitreous protrusion through a posterior capsular tear and retinal swelling (Colitz and McMullen ; Brooks et al . ; Edelmann et al . ).…”