Retinal membrane in the vitrectomized eye: an animal model.

A fibroblast induced model of retinal membrane has been developed in the vitrectomized rabbit eye. Localization of the membrane on the retinal surface requires a two stage procedure. An initial lensectomy and vitrectomy results in partial posterior vitreous detachment; the vitreous remains attached to the vascular retina (medullary rays) and vitreous base. At a subsequent procedure the detached posterior hyaloid face is excised; a fluid/SF6-air exchange is performed and fibroblasts are injected. Despite the use of only 25,000 cells, retinal membrane and subsequent traction retinal detachment develop. In contrast to cell injection in the nonvitrectomized eye, in which vitreous membranes predominate, this model stresses epiretinal membrane and surface retinal traction.