Animal Models of Dry Eye Syndrome for Stem Cell Based Therapies

Pathophysiological mechanisms involved in dry eye are complex and multifactorial. Dry eye models could be generated as lacrimal insufficiency (Sjögren’s syndrome like), evaporative dry eye syndrome (DES) or evaporative DES with lacrimal insufficiency. In order to perform a stem cell research study in rats with DES, researchers should firstly know which DES model is appropriate for their studies. In this study, we have reviewed different pathogenic mechanisms and clinical relevance of these animal models for DES