Distensibility Measurements of the Rabbit Eye

¹ Department of Ophthalmology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md. 21201

Distensibility measurements were made on the eyes of living and dead rabbits in situ and on freshly enucleated rabbit eyes. Twelve rabbits were used for the experiment. In the enucleated eyes distensibility measures were made around the anteroposterior plane and the equator, while only equatorial measurements were monitored on the living and dead eye in situ. From the measurements on the enucleated eyes in the anteroposterior plane, the ratio of cornea to sclera distensibility was obtained. The equatorial (scleral) measurements produced no appreciable difference in distensibility of the three states as the pressure was raised to 50 mm. Hg. Above this level an increase in distensibility was noticeable in the enucleated eye. In all three states distensibility was greatest at 30 mm. Hg, falling off at 50 mm. Hg and reaching a steady value at approximately 90 mm. Hg. The cornea to sclera ratio at these pressure levels were 1:0.76, 1:0.7, and 1:1, respectively.

Key Words: distensibility • volume changes • circumference gauge • electrical resistance • intraocular pressure • steady state • ocular rigidity • rabbits

Submitted on February 5, 1971
Accepted on August 31, 1971