SUMMARY
The authors describe experimental model for dry eye in rabbits, involving surgical removal of the lacrimal glands with nictitant membrane or atropine 1% instilation, or both. The diagnosis of dry eye was made using a modified Schirmer test, fluorescein and rose bengal staining, and the break-up-time. The rose bengal staining test had the best sensitivity in operated, atropinized and combined operated/atropinized eyes. It was also observed that the modified Schirmer test results suggested dry eyes only in atropinized eyes.