Eye doesn't reflect light

[vineyridge]

I know the horse and other mammals have a layer in the eye called the tapetum that reflects light and is used in night vision. I have a horse with one eye that does reflect light at night and one eye that doesn't.

What does that mean in terms of vision? Does it mean that she is night blind in that eye? Or blind in the eye.

I did notice at night last night when my hand came up on that side that she jerked away when I touched her. In the day, she blinks when I bring my finger slowly up on that side but it has to be fairly close before she blinks.

She's been to the vet for an eye issue a couple of years ago, but I don't recall that he said anything about blindness. But I don't recall if the issue was the dark eye or the other one. Other than that one time, she's showed no signs of eye trouble.

 

[Birker2020]

isn't this to do with the retina? If you hold a naked flame (i.e. lighter/candle) to the eye (be careful if in a barn full of hay!) in the dark you should see three images reflected from the retina. One is upside down, one is on its side and one is the right way up. Look in the eye and you will see these images. If you can't then there is a problem with the retina and you should consult an eye specialist.

 

[sugarpuff]

I remember reading an article years ago about a little girl who had had a photo taken and one had "red eye" reflection and the other didn't, a friend who was a doctor noticed it and it turned out that she had a tumour on her optical nerve. (or something like that, I can't quite remember, it was years ago!) but she was operated on and although she didn't have sight in that eye, she survived.

It would sound like there is something up, but I would definately get the vet out. Hope you get some answers!