Bilateral phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation in a great horned owl.
METHODS
A great horned owl of estimated age < 1 year that was captured by wildlife rehabilitators was evaluated because of suspected cataracts.


RESULTS
Nuclear and incomplete cortical cataracts were evident in both eyes. Ocular ultrasonography revealed no evidence of retinal detachment, and electroretinography revealed normal retinal function.


RESULTS
For visual rehabilitation, cataract surgery was planned and intraocular lens design was determined on the basis of values obtained from the schematic eye, which is a mathematical model representing a normal eye for a species. Cataract surgery and intraocular lens placement were performed in both eyes. After surgery, refraction was within -0.75 diopters in the right eye and -0.25 diopters in the left eye. Visual rehabilitation was evident on the basis of improved tracking and feeding behavior, and the owl was eventually released into the wild.


CONCLUSIONS
In raptors with substantial visual compromise, euthanasia or placement in a teaching facility is a typical outcome because release of such a bird is unacceptable. Successful intraocular lens implantation for visual rehabilitation and successful release into the wild are achievable.
Carter
Renee T
RT
Department of Surgical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
Murphy
Christopher J
CJ
Stuhr
Charles M
CM
Diehl
Kathryn A
KA
D000818:Animals; D000835:Animals, Wild / Q000601:surgery; D019654:Lens Implantation, Intraocular / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D007910:Lenses, Intraocular / Q000662:veterinary*; D018918:Phacoemulsification / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D020305:Strigiformes / Q000601:surgery; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014792:Visual Acuity