Mouse laser-induced CNV model

The mouse laser-induced CNV model was generated as previously described (22). Mice were anesthetized by ketamine/xylazine intraperitoneal injection and pupils were dilated with topical 1% tropicamide (Santen, Osaka, Japan). At the time of laser exposure, the rupture of Bruch’s membrane was confirmed by bubble formation. Four laser lesions were induced in four quadrants of each eye at approximately the same distance around the optic nerve using a slit lamp delivery system and a glass coverslip as a contact lens. Laser photocoagulation shots that cause hemorrhage or fail to produce a bubble were excluded from calculation. In the animal experiments, the examiner responsible for CNV model establishment was blinded to the animal grouping.