The development of the refractive state in the newborn Thomson gazelle

Changes in refractive error during the first 3 months of life were studied retinoscopically in six Thomson gazelles (Gazella thomsoni). Animals were hand-raised to allow repeat testing over time without chemical restraint. Refraction results were correlated with ultrasound measurements of intraocular dimensions, and with values in adult gazelles. Gazelles are born hyperopic with a mean refractive error of 3.44 +/- 0.31 D. By day 50, the animals are virtually emmetropic (0.13 +/- 0.21 D) and remain so in adulthood (0.03 +/- 0.09 D). The refractive error is highly correlated with the axial length (r(2) = 0.96) and with the vitreous chamber depth (r(2) = 0.83), but not with anterior chamber depth. Significant with-the-rule astigmatism was recorded (P < 0.001).