Groundbreaking Dolphin Eye Research Performed At Dolphin Quest Oahu
Dolphin Quest Oahu (DQO) teamed with veterinarian Gregg Levine and board certified ophthalmologist Maya Yamagata to capture the first well-documented photographs of a dolphin’s healthy retina using a voluntary, drug free approach.
Another landmark finding from this research project may change the composition of topical eye medications used for dolphins. Collaborating with the Schepens Eye Research Institute of Harvard Medical School, DQO collected dolphin tear film and discovered that mucin, a glycoprotein, can block topical medication from reaching the eye. By adding a mucolytic agent, medication can penetrate the thick tear film and reach the eye’s surface. This advancement may serve as a key component to successfully treating dolphin ophthalmic problems.
Before this research project, the understanding of dolphin ophthalmology was limited to partial eye examinations. By teaching the DQO dolphins to voluntarily participate in complete eye exams, DQO captured detailed, baseline information about the many intricate components of the dolphin eye. Clear communication and cooperative teamwork between the animals, behaviorist and ophthalmologist made the thorough eye exams a success.
By using positive reinforcement methods, trainers taught the dolphins to remain calm and relaxed during an eye exam. The first step involved teaching the dolphin to keep his eye open on request. Next trainers slowly and methodically introduced the elements a dolphin would experience during an exam, such as equipment, light and movement close to and around the eye. Trainers used a headlamp, pen light, camera lens, camera flash and an eyedropper filled with distilled water to simulate the different instruments and sensations.
DQO Manager of Marine Animals Julie Rocho-Levine shared the groundbreaking research at the 36th Annual Conference of the International Marine Animal Trainers’ Association (IMATA) held in Cancun, Mexico. Her presentation and paper, “Eye Opening Research: A Clinical Study of Baseline Ophthalmic Parameters of the Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin Utilizing a Voluntary Behavioral Approach,” won two prestigious awards, one for research and another for technology.
Check out the Research section to learn more about other projects supported by Dolphin Quest.
