![]() By establishing the normal reference range for OCT images of pigeon retina and evaluating the retinal structure, the results could contribute to future research on retinal diseases of pigeons and other birds and to visual science-related research. The purpose of this study was to assess the normal retinal structure of pigeons ( Columba livia) using OCT images and manual measurements to establish normative references. A few examinations with OCT have been conducted in living birds however, no attempt to establish and describe normal OCT data for specific avian species has been made. Furthermore, OCT scanning is advantageous as it is non-invasive, suitable for serial monitoring, and, unlike histopathologic examination, it reflects distortion-less tissue structure. However, OCT has been shown to be helpful in detecting early histologic changes in the retinal layer, changes that are difficult to detect on fundus examination. Enucleation of the eyes for histopathologic examination is also a clinical limitation. Although histologic investigations of these avian retinal structures have been performed in several studies, the assessment of retinal thickness could be distorted, affecting the ability to reflect the structure of the retina while the animal is alive. The basic structures of all vertebrate retinas are similar, but birds have some specific features such as the pecten oculi, a specialized, nutritive structure with an avascular retina, and one or two foveae in their fundus. As this imaging device provides in vivo cross-sections of the retina with high resolution, it is effectively used for clinical diagnosis and research of various animal eyes, including those of birds. Optical coherence tomography (OCT), a noninvasive imaging technology, has been widely used in veterinary ophthalmology recently. However, these instruments may provide limited diagnostic information and might be inadequate for specific diagnosis of the status of the avian retina. Indirect and direct ophthalmoscopes are commonly used for fundus examination, similar to that for other animals. Therefore, fundus examination and vision-related research of birds are considered important in avian medicine. As almost every bird relies heavily on its visual ability to interpret and respond to the environment, visual performance is crucial during its life.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |