The Tribune

TWO sea lions at Atlantis who were showing signs of developing eyesight challenges recently underwent successful eye surgery, the resort property announced yesterday.

Cassie, a star sea lion who makes regular appearances around the resort, and Sebastian, a breeding male sea lion, had reportedly been showing signs of developing eyesight challenges for sometime. Dolphin Cay’s attending staff veterinarian and a veterinary ophthalmologist consultant conducted routine eye exams as part of a preventative health care plan for the animals, but the decision was made to conduct a more thorough exam on Cassie and Sebastian.

It was discovered that both animals had developed early onset cataracts in their eyes.

As a result, a date was set to correct the situation for both animals and the veterinary team formulated plans to safely remove the lens from within the eyes. When a sea lion develops a cataract, it is usually better to remove the entire lens during the surgical procedure.

Once the cloudy lens has been removed, the eye fills with clear fluid and allows the sea lion’s eye to function quite well. In fact, the vision is restored and greatly enhances the quality of life for the animal. Both Cassie and Sebastian are now in recovery and are doing well, although they will be limited to light exposure and water for a period of time to allow for their eyes to heal.