The rabbits were followed-up with slit-lamp examination and fluorescein staining until epithelialization was completed.

S. aureus-induced ocular injury was determined with corneal fluorescein staining.

Statistical evaluation of the results was carried out on Schirmer test and fluorescein staining values and the state of the epithelium.

Following excision, tearing was evaluated with phenol red thread, and corneal fluorescein staining was scored to quantify the severity of damage.

Conclusions: Ophthalmologists continue to prefer the use of traditional dry eye tests in practice, with the most common test being corneal fluorescein staining.

Findings leading to the diagnosis included whorl-like epitheliopathy, corneal conjunctivalization, and late fluorescein staining of the involved epithelium for at least 6 clock hours.