Effect of topical atropine on intraocular pressure and pupil diameter in the normal horse eye.

This research investigates whether the use of atropine topically on a horse’s eye affects intraocular pressure. The finding suggests that while it significantly increased the pupil diameter, it did not significantly alter the intraocular pressure.

Research Objective

• The study aimed to ascertain if applying 1% atropine sulfate topically on a horse’s eye would alter the intraocular pressure. This objective was predicated on a hypothesis that atropine might reduce intraocular pressure in horses by elevating uveoscleral output, the process through which fluid from the eye drains out. The treatment might be potentially beneficial for treating equine glaucoma, which is characterized by high intraocular pressure.

Methodology

• The study subjects were four healthy adult horses. The researchers measured the intraocular pressure and pupil diameter of these animals before and during a two-day treatment period with 1% atropine sulfate.

Findings

• Following the application of atropine, there was a significant increase in the horses’ pupil diameter. However, there were no significant changes in intraocular pressure resulting from atropine treatment.

Interpretation and Next Steps

• The research did not support a noticeable pressure-lowering effect from the use of atropine, but it did not wholly rule out its potential benefits for treating equine glaucoma. It is suggested that a longer treatment period might be required, or atropine might hold a more crucial impact on glaucomatous globes – a condition characterized by changes in the shape of the eye due to high intraocular pressure.