The KBI monkey models of spontaneous intraocular hypertension and laser-induced ocular hypertension closely mimic the glaucoma in humans with typical high intraocular pressure (IOP) and optic nerve pathology. These two models provide reliable validation of therapeutic treatments for high IOP and associated neuropathology to guide clinical trials. 

The glaucoma models available at KBI:

·  Spontaneous glaucoma

·  Laser-induced open angle glaucoma

Fig 1. Induction of glaucoma in cynomolgus monkeys by laser (with OcuLight TX). OD- laser induced eye, OS-normal eye.

Fig 2.  Representative fundus images showing the changes in the cup-to-plate ratio at different IOPs in cynomolgus monkeys. 

We have validated the normal range and diagnostic criteria of IOP through measuring a large cohort of cynomolgus monkeys in the anesthetized state. The response to therapeutics has been verified with the use of Brinzolamide timolol eye drops on reducing IOP. The identified glaucoma is further classified into two categories by the OCT detection of the angle of the anterior chamber: 1) open-angle or 2) angle-closure.  

IOP is measured using TonoVet eye tonometer, Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer thickness (RNFLt) is analyzed using OCT and Retinal Ganglion Cell (RGC) function is assessed using electroretinogram (ERG).

Fig 3. OCT measurement of anterior chamber angles, nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFLt) and brunch membrane opening – minimum rim width (MRW) in cynomolgus monkeys.