Experimental transient exudative retinal detachment in the rat.
OBJECTIVE
To establish a new model of exudative retinal detachment in the rat.


METHODS
Photothrombosis was produced in a single retinal vein using direct treatment with a dye laser operating in the yellow wavelength (577 nm). Control eyes received identical laser applications, but treatment was placed alongside the vessel and photothrombosis was not produced. Eyes were examined at intervals during the subsequent week with ophthalmoscopy, photography, fluorescein angiography, and light microscopy.


RESULTS
In 13 (41%) of 32 eyes with photothrombosis, bullous retinal detachments developed 1 day after laser treatment, and continued occlusion of the vein was confirmed with fluorescein angiography. Detachments persisted for 2 to 4 days and spontaneously resolved; resolution coincided with restored venous patency at 5 to 7 days. None of the 20 control eyes developed bullous detachments (P < .005).


CONCLUSIONS
Laser photothrombosis in the rat offers a simple and accessible model of transient exudative retinal detachment without the need for exogenous chromophores.
Theodosiadis
P G
PG
Retina Service, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston.
Moulton
R S
RS
Walsh
A W
AW
Gragoudas
E S
ES
D'Amico
D J
DJ
D000818:Animals; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D005122:Exudates and Transudates; D005451:Fluorescein Angiography; D005654:Fundus Oculi; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008297:Male; D051381:Rats; D012163:Retinal Detachment / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology*; D012169:Retinal Vein / Q000601:surgery; D012170:Retinal Vein Occlusion / Q000150:complications