Examples of scarred eyes

Photos

These photographs were taken underwater at Honokowai by Ursula Keuper-Bennett. They illustrate scarred eyes. Note that in these eyes, the pleating found in the posterior conjunctiva of normal and pre-eruptive eyes has been obliterated by what appears to be scar tissue.

This is Nui, known since 1990. The size B tumour in his right eye was regressing by 1993. The tumor was no longer visible from a distance by 1994. The image shows his summer 2000 scarred condition.

This is Tutu, known since 1990. The size B tumor in her right eye was regressing by 1992 and the tumor was no longer visible from a distance by 1995. The image shows her summer 2000 scarred condition.

This is Zeus, known since 1992. He had a size A tumour in his right eye in 1997. In 1998 the tumor looked smaller but we were cautious about calling Zeus a regression case. By 1999, however, there was no doubt. The image shows his summer 2000 scarred condition.

Video

Video often is more revealing than a still photograph because the motion gives the image more form and depth. Click on the still images below to see the video clips.

This is Nui, Hawaiian for "big." He was first sighted in 1990, when he had already contracted fibropapilloma. He was a confirmed regression case by 1993. This video was shot in the summer of 2000. The conjunctiva of Nui's eyes still bear scars--the "FP signature."
Fetches a 1930K MPG

Fetches a 781K MPG
This is Tutu, Hawaiian for "grandmother." She was first sighted in 1990, and already had contracted fibropapilloma. Her condition improved in 1992--our first regression case. This video clip from summer 2000 shows the "FP signature" in the posterior conjunctiva of her left eye.

We first sighted turtle 1996-12 in 1996, when he was in the early stages of fibropapilloma disease. By 1997 he was in rough shape and also had mouth tumors; however, by 1998 his condition had improved and we claimed him as a regression case. While many of his body tumors have disappeared (including his mouth tumors) the eye tumors remain. Because of their dark soot-gray appearance we call these regressing tumors "black pearls."
Fetches a 781K MPG


The eyes have it
The Sickbay
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Last modified 01/10/23
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