Selection of Appropriate Animal Models in Ocular Research: Ocular Anatomy and Physiology of Common Animal Models

Selection of appropriate animal models for ocular research is essential to enhance validity of results and to minimize number of animals used. Knowledge of differences in ocular anatomy and physiology of the various animal models is one of the most important parameters in study design. In addition, the researcher must understand the disease process in the animal model and understand how this differs from the primary target animal (human or animal). Finally, the selection of the correct animal model is extremely important when considering route of therapy to translate therapeutic or pharmacokinetic results to larger animals such as humans. The purpose of this chapter is to review the ocular anatomy and physiology differences among common animal models of ocular disease to help researchers select appropriate animal models in experimental designs.