Studies of intraocular pressure. II. The histopathology of experimentally increased intraocular pressure in the rabbit.

The aqueous humor outflow channels of the rabbit eye were obstructed by placement of polyethylene tubing in the angle of the anterior chamber. Within 24 hours the intraocular pressure was elevated and remained so for 3 months after which time the animals were killed. Histologic examination verified the selective loss of ganglion cells, loss of myelin from optic nerve fibers, and deep excavation of the optic nerve. It is concluded that experimentally increased intraocular pressure can cause retinal and optic nerve changes in the rabbit eye which duplicate the pathologic changes of the retina associated with elevated intraocular pressure in man.