Abstract

Background: Cataract is a common disease of lenses in birds. Cataract surgery is the recommended treatment for birds with visual impairment. Nevertheless, reports of the results of cataract surgery in birds are limited.
Case Description: An unknown-aged male black kite (Milvus migrans) was presented to Kasetsart University Veterinary Teaching Hospital for evaluation and treatment of bilateral ocular cloudiness. Bilateral hypermature cataracts were diagnosed. A-scan biometry was performed to calculate the intraocular lens diopter power. Bilateral cataract extraction by lens aspiration with +17.5 diopter foldable intraocular lens implantation was successfully performed. Two months after surgery, the black kite navigated well and was able to fly and catch his food. Retinoscopy at 4 months postoperative revealed -0.5 diopters OD whereas OS could not be assessed due to a poor reflection. Follow up at 3 years after surgery, the black kite’s vision remained favorable.
Conclusion: Phacoemulsification and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation was successful in this black kite because the black kite’s vision was noticeably improved and the black kite was able to navigate well. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of bilateral cataract surgery with intraocular lens implantation using a calculated dioptric power (+17.5 D) IOL in a black kite.

Key words: biometry, black kite, cataract, intraocular lens (IOL), Milvus migrans