Long-Term Corticosteroid-Induced Ocular Hypertension Model Produced by Topical Rinderon-A Ointment Application

Adverse effects associated with prolonged corticosteroid therapy are strongly associated with increased intraocular pressure (IOP), which may progress to iatrogenic glaucoma and irreversible blindness if left untreated. Developing reliable animal models is essential for investigating corticosteroid-induced ocular hypertension and evaluating potential therapeutic strategies. In this study, we established a simple and non-invasive rat model of corticosteroid-induced ocular hypertension using topical application of Rinderon-A ointment. Longitudinal IOP measurements were performed weekly using a Tono-Pen in conscious rats throughout the 11-week experimental period. Rinderon-A treatment resulted in sustained bilateral IOP elevation, with an initial increase observed at week 1 (28.4 ± 1.5 mmHg) and a maximal mean IOP of 31.2 ± 0.7 mmHg at week 10. Rinderon-A-treated eyes exhibited a sustained ocular hypertensive response throughout the experimental period. Collectively, this model provides a reproducible platform for studying corticosteroid-associated ocular hypertension and may facilitate future investigations of therapeutic interventions.