Inducible rodent models of glaucoma

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of vision impairment worldwide. In order to further understand the molecular pathobiology of this disease and to develop better therapies, clinically relevant animal models are necessary. In recent years, both the rat and mouse have become popular models in glaucoma research. Key reasons are: many important biological similarities shared among rodent eyes and the human eye; development of improved methods to induce glaucoma and to evaluate glaucomatous damage; availability of genetic tools in the mouse; as well as the relatively low cost of rodent studies. Commonly studied rat and mouse glaucoma models include intraocular pressure (IOP)-dependent and pressure-independent models. The pressure-dependent models address the most important risk factor of elevated IOP, whereas the pressure-independent models assess "normal tension" glaucoma and other "non-IOP" related factors associated with glaucomatous damage. The current article provides descriptions of these models, their characterizations, specific techniques to induce glaucoma, mechanisms of injury, advantages, and limitations.