The Importance of Accessing Animal Models in Glaucoma Research

Abstract

Developing the ideal animal model of a specific disease remains a goal for every scientist conducting translational research. In glaucoma, the model could be developed either by means of induction or genetic modification in order to mimic the disease. Genetically modified models are preferred for investigating different aspects of the disease, however, development of these models is often costly and beyond the reach of many laboratories. Investigators may prefer to use in vitro cell, tissue and organ culture models as these techniques are extremely powerful and provide important insights into the function of individual cells.