Colobus Monkey Lens Replacement
College Station, TX – Zoe, a colobus monkey at the Houston Zoo, can see more clearly now thanks to a lens replacement performed at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, on March 19, 2002. The surgery was performed by Dr. Joan Dziezyc, a veterinary ophthalmologist at the college.
“The procedure involved administering anesthesia, removing the damaged lens via ultrasound and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens,” said Dziezyc. “It is expected that this new lens will serve Zoe for the rest of her life.”
“Zoe was born at the Houston Zoo in 1994 and was diagnosed with this cataract in July 1997. The cataract caused a blindness that made routine interactions very difficult. By undergoing this procedure, we can expect to see a marked improvement in her quality of health and life,” said Dr. Shirley Llizo, the monkey’s veterinarian at the Houston Zoo.
Alcon, a company committed to the research, development, manufacture, and marketing of ophthalmic products, donated the human artificial lens used to replace Zoe’s damaged lens. Dr. Bill Marr, of Marr Eye Center in Bryan, Texas, provided some instruments and collaborated on the techniques used.
Established in 1916, the College of Veterinary Medicine at Texas A&M is one of the world ‘s largest veterinary colleges and is an international leader in animal health care and research.
Contact Information:
Angela G. Clendenin
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