Evaluating the Functionality of Conjunctiva Using a Rabbit Dry Eye Model

Figure 1

Major surgical steps involved in creating our rabbit dry eye model. (a) Nictitating membrane (NM) was removed at the base; (b) Harderian gland was separated and ablated through same wound as excision of NM (this was done to reduce hemorrhage); (c) removal of infraorbital and temporal lobes of the lacrimal gland; (d) removal of the deeply embedded intraorbital lobe of the lacrimal gland.

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)