A Tonographic Study of Water Loading in Rabbits

Following orogastric intubation, varying volumes of tap water from 50 ml to 200 ml were administered to normal rabbits and the offspring of glaucomatous rabbits. Tonography was performed 15, 30, and 60 minutes following water loading. Significant elevation of the intraocular pressure and decrease in the outflow facility occurred 15 minutes after water loading, and were still present after 30 minutes. These changes in pressure and outflow facility were considerably decreased after one hour. The offspring of two glaucomatous parents showed a greater pressure elevation and fall in the outflow facility than did the normal rabbits or offspring of one glaucomatous rabbit. This was correlated with a lower initial facility of outflow in these animals.