What is the normal intraocular pressure for horses?

What is the normal intraocular pressure for horses?

• A. 5-10 mmHg
• B. 10-15 mmHg
• C. 15-30 mmHg
• D. 30-40 mmHg

Answer: (C)

Intraocular pressure reflects the balance between aqueous humor production and its drainage. In horses, a normal baseline is typically around 15 to 30 mmHg. This range accounts for natural variability between individual horses and differences in how measurements are taken (sedation, technique, and time of day can shift readings a bit). So why is 15–30 mmHg the best answer? It captures the usual healthy range for equine eyes. Readings consistently higher than this can indicate elevated pressure such as glaucoma or impaired outflow, while readings well below it suggest hypotony. The other options fall outside what’s considered normal in most horses: 5–10 mmHg is too low for a healthy eye, 10–15 mmHg is below the typical baseline, and 30–40 mmHg sits at the upper edge or beyond where pathology is likely.

Intraocular pressure reflects the balance between aqueous humor production and its drainage. In horses, a normal baseline is typically around 15 to 30 mmHg. This range accounts for natural variability between individual horses and differences in how measurements are taken (sedation, technique, and time of day can shift readings a bit).

So why is 15–30 mmHg the best answer? It captures the usual healthy range for equine eyes. Readings consistently higher than this can indicate elevated pressure such as glaucoma or impaired outflow, while readings well below it suggest hypotony. The other options fall outside what’s considered normal in most horses: 5–10 mmHg is too low for a healthy eye, 10–15 mmHg is below the typical baseline, and 30–40 mmHg sits at the upper edge or beyond where pathology is likely.