proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) is the most common cause of failure in retinal reattachment surgery. Three different procedures were performed in 20 pigmented rabbits to devise a simple model to induce experimental PVR. Rabbits were assigned randomly to three groups (I, II, and III). Group I rabbits (5 rabbits, 10 eyes) rereived normal saline into the vitreous cavity, after an iatrogenic retinal tear was made. In group II rabits (8 rabbits, 8 eyes), a suspension of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and choroid from the left eye was transferred into the vitreous cavity of the right eye. In group III rabbits (7 rabbits, 7 eyes), a suspension of RPE and choroid from the left eye was transferred into the vitreous cavity of the right eye after an iatrogenic retinal tear was made. The fundus was observed for 2 months with an indirect ophthalmoscope. The incidence of retinal detachment in group I was zero (O/IO), that of group II was 37.5% (3/8), and that of group III was 85.7% (6/7). Electron microscopic findings of the vitreous strand of one eye of group II showed a central melanocytic core, peripheral fibroblasts, and intercellular collasen fibril. Electron microscopic findings in one eye of group III revealed a subretinal membrane composed of suspected RPE and glial cells.