Ultrasonographic study of equine eyes

Abstract

Ultrasonography allows to evaluate the state of the globe and internal structure regardless of opacities in the anterior segment and lens without any stress for patients. The aim of this study was to measure and compare parameters of the equine eye in different age horses, to analyze corneal thickness mapping using ultrasonic pachymetry. We used 23 eyes of the different age horses in our study. Sagital eye axis, thickness of anterior eye segment, lens and vitreous were measured. Mapping of corneal thickness was made in 13 points of the adult horse cornea using ultrasonic pachymetry. Foals’ eyes and their structures were smaller than adult horses although the anterior segment of the eye was thicker than in 19-20 year-old horses. 19-20 year old horses had the thickest vitreous and the sagital axis length was the biggest in all adult horses’ groups. 9-10 year old horses had the thickest anterior eye segment and lens but vitreous and sagital axis was smaller than in 19-20 year-old horses eye. Corneal thickness mapping showed that the central part of the cornea was the thinnest, paracentral part was thicker than central but thinner than peripheral regions.