Dry eye is a common ocular surface disease, and a reliable animal model is essential for dry eye research. This model mimics evaporative dry eye caused by meibomian gland dysfunction. Lipids secreted by the meibomian glands constitute the outermost lipid layer of the tear film. Meibomian gland insufficiency leads to deficiency of tear film lipids, markedly shortening tear film breakup time and accelerating tear evaporation. This further elevates tear osmotic pressure and results in ocular surface damage. In addition, abnormal lipid metabolism impairs tear clearance, accumulates toxic mediators in tears, and ultimately contributes to the development of dry eye.

New Zealand white rabbits (mixed gender, body weight: 2.0–2.5 kg)
Modeling method: Each meibomian gland orifice was cauterized in sequence. After cauterization, the rabbit’s third eyelid was excised. A stable dry eye disease model was successfully established on the 7th day.
Evaluation index: HE staining

Corneal HE staining

Palpebral conjunctiva HE staining