Central Corneal Thickness and Intraocular Pressure Increases With Age in Normal Holstein Cattle

Abstract

Objective: To establish the central corneal thickness (CCT) and intraocular pressure (IOP) of normal Holstein cattle and any relationship with age. Methods: Age of 50 Holstein cattle was recorded in days. CCT was measured by ultrasonic pachymetry, and IOP values were recorded by rebound tonometry from a total of 100 eyes. CCT and IOP values were subsequently analyzed in relation to age. The animals were divided into the following two groups: calves (< 360 days old) and adults (? 360 days old). Results: Mean CCT value of all animals was 723.1 ± 75.9 ?m in the right eye, 714.5 ± 82.2 ?m in the left eye. Mean IOP value of 100 eyes was 25.4 ± 8.07 mm/Hg in the right eye, 24 ± 7.89 mm/Hg in the left eye. Mean CCT and IOP values of the animals < 360 days old were 697.7 ± 8.28 ?m and 21.6 ± 0.77 mm/Hg respectively. Mean CCT and IOP values of the animals ? 360 days old were 768.1 ± 14.4 ?m and 31.9 ± 1.18 mm/Hg, respectively. A statistically significant difference was observed between the groups in terms of CCT and IOP values (p < 0.001). A positive correlation was identified between CCT and age (r = 0.57, p < 0.001) and between IOP and age (r = 0.488, p < 0.001). Conclusions: This study documents the age-related increase in both CCT and IOP values in cattle. © 2025 American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists.