Infectious Eye Ulcers, Bacterial and Fungal Keratitis of Horses
  by Robert N. Oglesby DVM

The cornea is the clear part of the eye that allows light into the inner eye so we can see. Trauma to the cornea is a very painful condition with squinting, cloudiness of the cornea, redness of the conjunctiva, and watery discharge from the eye. A common complication of trauma to the eye is infection of the cornea and this is called infectious keratitis. Bacteria are the most common cause and usually easily treated. Occasionally a more serious complication of infection is progressive ulceration of the cornea, which can be caused by resistant bacteria or fungi that release a enzyme that dissolves the cornea.

Some recent advances in treatment appear to be resulting in better outcomes for progressive infectious eye ulcers of horses. This article deals with the symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of each of these conditions.

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