Purpose: To compare four different glaucoma development models in albine rabbits, based on achieving a chronic elevation of intraocular pressure (IOP). Methods: A total of 16 animals were used for the glaucoma development model. Rabbits were divided in four groups: Cautery of three vortex veins was performed in the first group (four animals) and cautery of four vortex veins in the second group (four animals). Three vortex veins were ligated in the third group (four animals) and ligation of four vortex veins was performed in the last group (four animals). IOP was measured by Tonovet rebound tonometer during six weeks follow up. The opposite unoperated eye served as control. Results: Cauterization of four vortex veins (second group) and ligation of four vortex veins (fourth group) achieved IOP elevation (40mmHg) but only for the first twenty four hours. The others groups IOP did not reach statistical differences between treated and control eye. None of the methods developed chronic elevation of IOP. Conclusions: Vortex vein surgery in albine rabbits was not able to achieve chronic elevation of IOP. Therefore, none of this methods showed capacity to develop a glaucoma experimental model.

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