Equine recurrent uveitis is the leading cause of blindness in horses, causing repeated painful inflammation episodes that progressively destroy vision.
Recurrent uveitis causes significant suffering through repeated episodes of intense eye pain - horses experience photophobia, tearing, blepharospasm, and vision changes during each flare. The cumulative damage leads many affected horses to complete blindness. While blind horses can adapt and live good lives with appropriate management, the journey there involves substantial suffering. The chronic nature means owners must remain vigilant for recurrence signs and act rapidly when episodes begin. Long-term anti-inflammatory therapy is important not just for pain control but to slow progression. The welfare of horses with ERU is significantly improved by proactive monitoring and rapid treatment of flare-ups.