Equine cataract surgery offered in Britain

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LIVERPOOL, England, Feb. 14 (UPI) -- The University of Liverpool is offering a new form of equine cataract removal surgery that could save the sight of thousands of horses.

Professor Derek Knottenbelt from the university's division of equine studies and Professor David Wong from the ophthalmology research unit, developed a unique approach to cataract removal operations combining techniques used on humans and animals.

Knottenbelt said the new surgery is proving consistently successful in restoring complete sight to patients without post-operative symptoms.

Based at the University's Large Animal Hospital at Leahurst, Knottenbelt and his team spent several months testing various surgical techniques used both on humans and animals to establish the best combination of methods to remove equine cataracts.

Said Knottenbelt: "This new surgery shows how effectively the latest human cataract surgical techniques can translate successfully to bear on an equine problem. We are pleased that the university can now offer such progressive treatment to tackle equine cataracts on a larger scale than currently available."