Experimental tractional retinal detachment in rabbits. Clinical picture and histopathologic features.

A simple reproducible model for the creation of tractional retinal detachments in rabbits is presented. This model comprises retinal membranes composed of different cell types derived from ocular tissues, and eliminates the need for lengthy and expensive tissue culturing procedures. The injected cell bolus rapidly migrates to the optic disc and forms surface retinal membranes. These lead to tractional retinal detachment confined to the area of the vascular medullary rays. The rapidity and severity of the clinical process seems to be directly dependent upon the number of cells injected. Good visibility of the posterior pole is maintained throughout the course of the development of detachment. This model is acceptable for testing agents to suppress intraocular cellular proliferation. It can also serve to teach surgical techniques for the management of vitreo-retinal membranes without endangering human eyes.