Recurrent uveitis is the leading cause of blindness in horses worldwide, causing repeated painful inflammatory episodes that progressively damage the eye. Management focuses on pain control and slowing progression.
Recurrent uveitis causes significant ongoing suffering through painful inflammatory episodes and the progressive loss of vision. During active flares, horses experience intense photophobia and ocular pain that can disrupt eating, social behaviour, and movement. Between episodes, the threat of sudden painful recurrence creates anticipatory stress. Vision loss profoundly affects horses as prey animals, increasing anxiety, reducing confidence in movement, and altering social dynamics within the herd. Bilateral blindness can lead to severe behavioural changes. Early aggressive treatment of each episode and surgical intervention where indicated are the most welfare-important interventions available.