Comparative Investigation of Seasonal (Summer and Winter) and Sex-Related Differences in Tear Production and Intraocular Pressure in Sakız, Çine Çaparı, and Karya Sheep.

Seasonal temperature significantly affects tear production in sheep; IOP remains stable with minimal sex differences.

This comparative study examined seasonal and sex-related variations in tear production and intraocular pressure across three sheep breeds (Sakız, Çine Çaparı, and Karya). A total of 180 healthy sheep (~2 years old) were evaluated using Schirmer tear test (STT-I) and tonometry during summer (30°C) and winter (10°C) conditions. Results demonstrated that tear production increased significantly during summer months across all breeds, with Sakız sheep consistently producing greater tear volumes than other breeds in both seasons. Intraocular pressure remained relatively stable across seasons and breeds, with only minor variations observed. Sex-related differences were minimal overall, though Sakız females showed higher tear production and IOP than males during winter. This research provides breed-specific ophthalmologic reference values for sheep and demonstrates that environmental temperature substantially influences tear production while having negligible effects on intraocular pressure in small ruminants.

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