Medicated Eye Treatments for Horses: Top 6 Options in Canada for 2026

Terramycin (oxytetracycline) Ophthalmic Ointment is a long‑established veterinary antibiotic with a strong track record for treating equine corneal and conjunctival bacterial infections, often favored by veterinarians for deeper or refractory cases. Compared with triple‑antibiotic and non‑antibiotic options on this list, Terramycin is technically proven in many clinical settings and may provide more predictable outcomes for serious infections, though it can be more expensive and sometimes requires veterinary oversight. Its well‑documented efficacy and veterinary acceptance provide assurance that can justify higher upfront cost in high‑risk or severe ocular cases.

BNP Triple Antibiotic Ophthalmic Ointment is a cost‑effective, broad‑spectrum topical antibiotic commonly used for uncomplicated bacterial conjunctivitis in horses, combining agents to cover a wide range of pathogens. Compared with Vetericyn’s non‑antibiotic approach, BNP’s formula delivers targeted antibacterial potency at a lower per‑unit cost, making it attractive for routine bacterial flare management, though it carries the usual stewardship concerns and may be less suitable for repeated herd‑wide use. Financially, its generic-style pricing and wide availability make it a practical choice for stables on tight budgets.

Vetericyn Plus Ophthalmic Gel is positioned as a best-in-class non‑antibiotic hypochlorous-based topical for equine eyes, offering broad‑spectrum antimicrobial action with low tissue irritation and good safety for repeated use. Compared with classic antibiotic ointments on this list, it reduces concerns about antibiotic resistance and can serve as a first‑line, multi‑use product across wounds and eyes, giving barns a technically versatile and often lower‑risk option that can lower overall treatment costs. For horse owners managing frequent ocular irritation, its shelf stability and multi‑purpose use provide financial and logistical advantages over single‑use prescription antibiotics.

Optixcare Eye Cleaning Wipes are a practical, non‑medicated adjunct for equine ocular care, designed to remove discharge, debris and tear staining before applying medicated treatments or as daily maintenance. While not a medicated therapy themselves, they lower infection risk and improve the efficacy of gels and ointments on this list by keeping the periocular area clean; their single‑use convenience and low cost make them financially attractive for routine barn hygiene. Technically, they reduce cross‑contamination and labor time compared with cloth cleaning, supporting better overall herd eye health at minimal expense.

Recognized here as the best-in-class anti-inflammatory ophthalmic for horses, Dexamethasone 0.1% delivers rapid, potent control of ocular inflammation and is widely used in equine practice for uveitis and acute allergic conjunctivitis. Its technical advantages include strong corticosteroid efficacy, straightforward dosing and broad generic availability, which typically makes it more affordable than some specialty antimicrobials. Compared with the Silver Sulfadiazine option, dexamethasone is superior for non‑infectious inflammatory conditions but must be used with caution if infection is suspected, so clinicians often choose between them based on diagnostic clarity.

Positioned as the market leader for topical antimicrobial eye care in horses, Silver Sulfadiazine 1% ointment offers broad-spectrum bactericidal coverage and the practical advantage of ointment-based dosing that increases contact time on the cornea. Its technical strengths include effective management of contaminated corneal wounds and infected ulcers, and in many cases it can reduce the need for systemic antibiotics, yielding a favorable cost-benefit when infection control is the priority. Relative to dexamethasone, silver sulfadiazine is the preferred choice when infection is present, though it does not address inflammation as directly and can be used in combination strategies under veterinary guidance.