Evaluation of the applanation tonometer ProTon in rabbits

Purpose. To assess use of the tonometer ProTon for measuring intraocular pr essure in rabbits. Materials and methods. Eleven chinchilla-bastard rabbits were measured unde r standardized conditions with the applanation tonometer ProTon for 62+/-15 days. One rabbit was excluded because of intensively defensive reactions. Results. Intraocular pressure in the ten rabbits was 12.15+/-3.63 mmHg in t he right eye and 12.11+/-3.52 mmHg in the left eye. Conclusion. Intraocular pressure can be measured reliably over a long perio d with the applanation tonometer ProTon. It is therefore suitable for deter mining intraocular pressure in experimentally induced glaucoma in rabbits.