Confirmation of the rat model of chronic, moderately elevated intraocular pressure

We have confirmed the usefulness of the rat model of chronic, moderately elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) for studying loss of retinal ganglion cells, and as a model for pharmacological neuroprotection studies that may be relevant to treating human glaucoma. By unilaterally cauterizing three episcleral vessels, as described previously in the literature by another laboratory, we observed an approximately 1.6-fold increase in IOP compared to the contralateral eye (18.6 vs 11.5 mm Hg, respectively). Elevated IOP persisted for 6 months without re-treatment. Cupping of the optic disk was observable by examination, in vivo. In 6 months, there was an approximately 40% loss of retinal ganglion cells in the peripheral retina. This model provides a reproducible and quantitative model for pharmacological experiments using neuroprotective agents.