Intra-ocular Pressure in the Sonoran Desert Tortoise (Gopherus morafkai) Using Rebound Tonometry

Abstract A complete ophthalmic examination includes the measurement of intra-ocular pressure (IOP). IOP has been recorded in several species of reptiles, and differences between species have been recognized. This study measured IOP in Gopherus morafkai (Sonoran Desert tortoise) presented to a veterinary hospital. The IOP observed in this study (right eye 15.8 mm Hg ± 2.66 and left eye 16.8 mm Hg ± 2.75) was higher than those reported in aquatic chelonians. This study demonstrates the reliability of rebound tonometry for measuring IOP in Sonoran Desert tortoises, providing a robust method for future research. It is not recommended that IOP values be extrapolated between species and collection methods.