Proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) is a pathological process based on proliferation of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells and glia on the interior surface of the retina accompanied by epiretinal membrane formation. The condition’s pathogenesis remains unclear. The best-founded hypothesis is that PVR pathogenesis involves growth factors and cytokines with the key role of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF). The purpose of this work is an experimental morphologic study of changes in eye tissues after they were treated by recombinant PDGF administered intravitreally. Material and methods. 6 Chinchilla rabbits (12 eyes) were given intravitreal injections of 0.1 ml of PDGF through the flat part of the ciliary body. The concentrations were 2000 mg/ml (4 eyes), 5000 mg/ml (4 eyes), and 20000 mg/ml (4 eyes). Microscopic observation of the eyes, enucleated one month after the procedure was performed with a Leica microscopic system supplied with a digital camera with a x200-x600 magnification. Results. RPE was found to be the main target of PDGF. The impact was revealed to be dose-related. With doses of 2000 mg/ml and 5000 mg/ml retinal epithelial cells are dissociated, rounded, they form processes, fall out of the sheet and migrate to the surrounding area. With big doses (20000 mg/ml), death of photoreceptor cells in the retina occurs along with extensive migration of cells and Bruch's membrane denudement. The mechanism underlying migration processes, associated with the influence of PDGF on the system of counter-adhesive proteins is discussed. Conclusion. The role of migration of RPE cells induced by PDGF in the formation of the early stage of PVR was demonstrated // Russian Ophthalmological Journal, 2016; 4: 59-63. doi: 10.21516/2072-0076-2016-9-4-59-63.