Glaucoma is an increasingly common sight threatening disease. Our understanding of the pathogenesis requires good models for disease risk factors. This thesis refines models of chronic intraocular pressure elevation in rats. Non-invasive assessment showed evidence of widespread retinal dysfunction. It is clear that dysfunction was not solely determined by intraocular pressure, but is associated with either ocular trauma or agent toxicity. Clear methodological recommendations are provided to minimise widespread damage and thus provide improved models for understanding glaucoma.