Comparative Investigation of the Effects of Season (Summer-Winter) and Sex on Tear Production and Intraocular Pressure in Saanen and Honamlı Goats.

Seasonal variation significantly affects tear production and IOP in goats; normalize reference ranges by season.

This comparative study evaluated seasonal and sex-related effects on tear production and intraocular pressure in 120 clinically healthy goats (60 Honamlı and 60 Saanen breeds) approximately 2 years old. Measurements were conducted during summer (June, ~30°C) and winter (January, ~10°C) using standardized Schirmer tear test (STT-I) and tonometry protocols. Results demonstrated significant seasonal effects on both parameters: tear production was substantially higher in summer (18.5-19.9 mm/min) compared to winter (13.7-16.8 mm/min), while intraocular pressure showed the inverse pattern, with higher values in winter (14.8-17.0 mmHg) versus summer (10.5-12.6 mmHg). Sex-related differences were minimal in Honamlı goats but notable in Saanen goats, where males demonstrated significantly higher winter left-eye tear production and mean IOP values compared to females. Between-breed variations were limited to specific subgroup comparisons. The findings highlight that seasonal temperature variations markedly influence ocular physiology in caprine species, with practical implications for diagnostic interpretation and disease screening protocols in different climatic periods.

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