An Experimental Rabbit Model of Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment

An experimental model of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) in rabbits was es-tablished to simulate the pathophysiologic condition of human RRD. 24 rabbits were randomly divided into 3 groups and underwent vitrectomy with a vitrector and/or retinotomy with a Charles flute needle, with 12 in group Ⅰ(vitrectomy and retinotomy), 7 in group Ⅱ (retinotomy) and 5 ingroup Ⅲ(vitrectomy). All animals underwent follow-up examinations with direct and indirect ophthalmoscopy and fundus photography 12 h and day 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 14, 21, and 28 after the proce-dure(s). Retinal changes were recorded. As a result, 10 RRDs were successfully established in group Ⅰ. Direct and indirect ophthalmoscopy and fundus photography demonstrated typical features of RRD. No RRD developed in group Ⅱ and Ⅲ. It was concluded that the experimental rhegmatogenous retinal detachment produced in a rabbit model after vitrectomy with retinotomy in this study was a convenient and reliable one. This RRD model mimicked the typical pathophysiological changes in humans.