Characterisation of cataracts and other ophthalmic findings in various species of captive penguins

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundThe identification of ophthalmic diseases that affect vision and/or cause discomfort should be a priority in captive penguins to improve their overall health and quality of life.MethodsA routine ophthalmological examination was performed on 80 clinically normal penguins (160 eyes), and any lesions observed were recorded.ResultsOcular lesions were frequent (56% of penguins), with cataracts being the most common (48.8% of penguins). Cortical cataracts (63% of eyes) and posterior subcapsular cataracts (27.4%) were the most commonly occurring. All maturation stages were found; incipient cataracts (52.1% of eyes with cataracts) were predominant, while Morgagnian cataracts (8.2%) were the least frequent. A correlation existed between lenticular changes and increasing age. Uveitis was present in 43.8% of eyes with cataracts, and ectropion uveae was the predominant clinical sign. Other ocular findings included blepharitis (3.8% of all eyes), corneal leukoma (5.6%) and posterior lens subluxation (7.5%).LimitationsThe small number of birds of some species prevented the comparison of ophthalmic findings between species.ConclusionThis study corroborates the high prevalence of ocular lesions in captive penguins. Cataracts were frequent and age related. Most cataracts were cortical, and the predominant maturation stage was incipient. Lens‐induced uveitis was a common finding. Lowered intraocular pressure was related to cataract formation.