Morphometric Study of the Eyeball of the Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta caretta) Using Computed Tomography (CT)

SIMPLE SUMMARY: There are few publications describing the use of advanced diagnostic imaging techniques in turtle ophthalmology. However, adequate knowledge of the anatomy of the eye and its associated structures, given their adaptations to be able to develop in the aquatic environment and also in the terrestrial one, could be an important tool to deepen the ophthalmological anatomy, lifestyle, and pathology of these animals. ABSTRACT: The short bibliography referring to the anatomy and pathology of the eyeball of turtles poses a challenge for veterinarians and conservationists given the increasing presence of this type of turtle in veterinary and wildlife centres. Although they nest on land, these animals spend a large part of their lives in the ocean, which entails a series of eye adaptations such as well-developed nictitating membranes, palpebral scales, highly sensitive corneas, or sclerotic rings to protect the eye. In our study, we performed a morphometric analysis of the loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) eyeball and its internal structures using advanced imaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT). To the best of the authors’ knowledge, there have been no studies published that describe the CT intraocular measurements of presumed normal loggerhead turtle eyes.