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." |
|
|
|
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." |
|
Last modified 01/10/23
Send comments or corrections to honu@turtles.org
