Steroid Induced Short Term Ocular Hypertensive Glaucoma Model in New Zealand White Rabbits - A Pilot Study

This pilot study evaluated the efficacy of three commonly prescribed topical steroid eye drops in inducing a minimally invasive, short-term ocular hypertensive (OHT) glaucoma model in New Zealand White rabbits. The agents tested included commercial betamethasone, dexamethasone and prednisolone eyedrops solutions. Their effectiveness was assessed based on the consistency of intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation and the presence of clinically significant side effects. IOP was measured daily using both Tonopen and Schiotz tonometers following topical analgesia. The progression of IOP over a three-week period was recorded and analyzed to determine the suitability of each steroid for inducing short-term OHT. Prednisolone administration resulted in marked fluctuations in body condition scores, protein loss, and body weight, although no mortality was observed. Dexamethasone induced higher IOP spikes but lacked consistency. In contrast, betamethasone produced a sustained and consistent elevation in IOP without notable adverse effects, making it the most promising candidate for short-term glaucoma modelling. This minimally invasive model provides a reliable platform for short-term glaucoma research, with strong potential for translational applications in diagnostics and therapeutic evaluation.