UF researchers seek treatment for most common cause of blindness in horses

With funding from the Grayson Jockey Club Foundation, UF researchers are studying the development of a new eyedrop they hope will be able to prevent or treat a condition known as equine recurrent uveitis, or moon blindness, the most common cause of blindness in horses. Dr. Caryn Plummer, a professor in the college’s department of small animal clinical sciences, and Dr. Joseph Larkin, an assistant professor of microbiology and cell science with UF-IFAS, are collaborating in the research. Their proposal aims to design a topical eye drop, using a natural protein that helps to prevent pain and blindness associated with equine recurrent uveitis.