Quantitative evaluation of retina with optical coherence tomography in experimental rabbits

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a modern imaging technology crucial for diagnosing retinal diseases by providing high-resolution, non-invasive images of biological tissues. Despite the widespread use of rabbits in ophthalmological research due to their anatomical similarities to the human eye, comprehensive data on normal retinal thickness in rabbits using OCT is limited. This study was conducted with the objective of measuring retinal thickness in rabbits using an OCT device specifically designed for their eyes. The study included 42 rabbits grouped according to age (3-6 and 12 months) and gender, and ethical guidelines for animal research were followed. Using the Envisuu R2310 OCT device, retinal thickness was measured at various distances from the optic disc. The measurements showed that there was no significant difference between genders, but there were significant age-related changes, with thickness peaking at 6 months and thinning at 12 months. The superior retina consistently appeared to be the thinnest region in all age groups. The use of a rabbit-specific OCT device provided accurate, high-resolution images, addressing previous challenges in measurement accuracy. The findings highlight the significance of age in retinal thickness variations, aligning with human studies showing age-related thinning and emphasizing the need for age control in rabbit retinal research. This study provides a valuable reference for future ophthalmological research and advances in developing rabbit disease models, offering insights into age-related retinal changes and enhancing the potential for scientific investigations using the OCT method.