BACK TO BASICS: FOUNDATIONAL CLINICAL SKILLS FOR EQUINE PRACTICE
Fig. 1. Ophthalmic examination sheet, example (Hagyard Equine Medical Institute).
important to gently spray the solution, especially in fragile or compromised corneas, to decrease the risk of corneal perforation. Refer to appropriate texts for diagrams and addi-
tional periocular nerve blocks for ophthalmic proce- dures or surgery.2
Examination Components
The ophthalmic exam should include evaluation of the following structures: periocular area, eyelids, third
182 2022 / Vol. 68 / AAEP PROCEEDINGS
eyelid, conjunctiva, sclera, cornea, anterior chamber, iris, lens, vitreous, and fundus.2,6 It is important to examine each structure in both eyes and avoid focusing directly on the lesion, as contributing factors may be missed. The examination sheet shown in Fig 1 may be helpful as a checklist. The veterinarian should perform the ophthalmic examination in an orderly repeatable manner each time. A preferred method is to begin at the front and progress to the back of the eye (ante- rior ! posterior) while simultaneously moving from