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Updated: Sep 13, 2025
A Surgical Approach for Optic Nerve Crush in a Rabbit Model
Published on: July 8, 2025
A Surgical Approach for Optic Nerve Crush in a Rabbit Model
Kyeongwoo Jang1, Andrea K M Ross2, Patrick Jovel3
1Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University.
Abstract:
Optic nerve crush (ONC) is an experimental technique used to model and study the mechanisms of optic neuropathies and potential therapeutic interventions. ONC studies have predominantly utilized rodent models; however, these models exhibit notable anatomical and physiological differences from humans, potentially limiting translatability. Here, we describe the surgical technique to achieve ONC model in rabbits, a species with globe dimensions more similar to human eyes. The developed surgical technique utilizes ophthalmic surgical techniques used in strabismus and oculoplastic surgeries and does not require the creation of bone windows or canthotomies. The model was validated through assessments of pupillary response under different lighting conditions and visual evoked potentials (VEPs) pre- and post-ONC. The results demonstrated a significant decrease in both pupillary response and VEP amplitude in the ONC eyes, compared to untreated contralateral eyes, indicating loss of visual function after injury, as expected. This surgical technique may provide models for exploring optic nerve injuries and testing potential therapeutic strategies, with broader implications for understanding and treating ocular neurodegenerative diseases.
Insights
Researchers developed a new rabbit model for optic nerve crush (ONC) injury, offering better translatability for studying optic neuropathies and testing treatments. This surgical technique provides a valuable tool for vision research.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neuroscience
- Surgical Innovation
Background:
- Optic nerve crush (ONC) models are crucial for studying optic neuropathies.
- Rodent models have limitations in human translatability due to anatomical and physiological differences.
- A more human-relevant animal model is needed for optic nerve injury research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a novel surgical technique for creating an ONC model in rabbits.
- To validate the rabbit ONC model using functional assessments.
- To establish a translatable model for optic nerve injury research.
Main Methods:
- A minimally invasive surgical technique for ONC in rabbits was developed, adapting existing ophthalmic surgical procedures.
- The model was validated by comparing pupillary light responses and visual evoked potentials (VEPs) between injured and contralateral eyes.
- No bone windows or canthotomies were required for the surgical approach.
Main Results:
- The rabbit ONC model demonstrated a significant reduction in pupillary light response post-injury.
- VEP amplitudes were significantly decreased in ONC eyes compared to controls, confirming visual function loss.
- The results indicate successful induction of optic nerve damage and functional deficit.
Conclusions:
- The described surgical technique provides a viable and translatable rabbit model for optic nerve crush.
- This model can be used to investigate optic neuropathies and evaluate therapeutic interventions.
- The rabbit ONC model has implications for advancing treatments for ocular neurodegenerative diseases.
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