Harvey concerns: Part 1

I'm worried about the Harvster. For some months now, different people who work with Harv have said they think he has eye/vision problems. I frankly laughed it off. Harv has always been the horse who spooks at nothing, or who spooks at goofy things. But a few things have happened lately make me wonder...

• He came in last Sunday from the pasture with a swollen eyelid. When I put in the eye ointment, he didn't move, didn't flinch, didn't object in any way.  Every single application, same lack of reaction. Very unusual for him, but I thought it was mellowing in old age. He does seem to see my hand coming
• Last week he went out in a new pasture, one with undulating hills. He came in with a "giant leg" and swelling on his chest. I think he must have fallen or twisted something. 
• Recently a barn worker told me he "freaked out" in his stall, for no reason she could see. She was afraid he was going to jump out his dutch door or hurt himself.
• Not too long ago Harv was being led to the top barn for the farrier. For no reason anyone could see, he freaked out--blowing, scrambling, sending sparks on the brick floor. The barn manager had to ace him, and stand with him, so the farrier could work on him. 

Okay. Now Sunday, at the show (which was on our property) I decide to hand-walk Harv near the dressage ring, which has great grass. I've done this in past years and it's a chance for folks I've known/boarded with, anyone who who knows Harv, to say hello.  He is popular ;-).

He was okay for about 5 minutes, although he seemed a little restless. There were perhaps 4-5 unfamiliar horses and trailers nearby. I very seldom walk Harv up this way except when I'm going to ride.

And then he freaked out. Now Harv has his "moments" but nothing like this--you would have thought he saw a lion. He started bellowing, which is my sign to take him back to his stall. Then he tried to bolt. Think horse out of a starting gate, hindquarters bunched and pushing off, and you have the picture. He was really scrambling. If I had not had the chain over his nose, and had not been paying attention, he would have been loose. And he didn't let up.  He wanted to be GONE. As I dragged him back to the barn I really thought he would get away from me, and I was very concerned about all the kids around.  A number of people offered to help.

The instant we got back to the barn "courtyard" area, he calmed down. I put him in his stall and patted him for a few minutes, then I went to fill his water bucket. when I came back his lower lip was hanging, and he looked tired.

I have read about horses with moon blindness but don't know about how you diagnose eye issues with the older horse, aside from the blink test. Harv, you're supposed to MELLOW with age. He's returning to his youth.