Eye Worm Removal in Horses 

As described by Dr. Kasturi Bhadsavle, The Eye Vet Clinics, India

Preoperative Preparation 

• Sedation (Standing Position): 
• Xylazine @ 1.1 mg/kg IV 
• Butorphenol @ 0.1 mg/kg IV 
• Nerve Blocks: 
• Auriculopalpebral block with 1% Lignocaine 
• Supraorbital block with 1% Lignocaine 
• Topical anesthesia: Proparacaine eye drops 
• Aseptic preparation: Betadine + 100 ml normal saline wash 

  Materials Required 

• Xylazine + Butorphenol 
• Lignocaine 1% 
• Proparacaine eye drops 
• Betadine + 100 ml NS 
• 2.8 mm keratome 
• Viscoelastic material 
• 22G blunt cannula 

  Surgical Technique 

• Make a clear corneal incision with a 2.8 mm keratome: 

1. At 7 o’clock position in OD (right eye) (Chosen to avoid interference from the third eyelid) 
2. At 4 o’clock position in OS (left eye) (Chosen to avoid interference from the third eyelid) 

• Fill the anterior chamber with viscoelastic material using a 22G blunt cannula. 
• Depress the lower lip of the incision to allow controlled outflow of viscoelastic. 

1. This creates a visco-expulsion effect that expels the worm atraumatically.

• Collect the worm in sterile water or viscoelastic medium for identification. 

Postoperative Management 

• Topical therapy: 
• Prednisolone acetate 1% eye drops – TID 
• Antibiotic eye drops – TID 
• Atropine sulphate 1% eye drops – BID x 1 day, then SID x 2 days 
• 5% hypertonic saline eye drops – QID (if corneal edema present) 
• Systemic therapy: 
• Analgesic – once daily x 2 days 
• Antibiotic – x 5 days 

   Key Points 

• Standing sedation and nerve blocks avoid need for general anesthesia. 
• Use of 2.8 mm keratome and viscoelastic makes the procedure minimally traumatic. 
• Incision is left unsutured. 
• Post-op care focuses on uveitis control and corneal protection.