Abstract: In this paper, recent development on 3D eye model based gaze tracking technology is reviewed. Firstly, the basic conception of gaze tracking and its common applications are introduced. Secondly, related work and general classification are briefly reviewed. Thirdly, gaze tracking methods based on 3D eye model are reviewed and discussed in detail. Specifically, five kinds of hardware configuration based methods are classified, which include single camera with no light based method, single camera with single light based method, single camera with multi-light based method, multi-camera with multi-light based method and RGB-D camera based method. Moreover, leading methods of 3D eye model based gaze tracking in the state-of-the-art are compared and discussed in terms of the hardware configuration, tracking accuracy as well as the head movement tolerance. Finally, the challenges and potential development of 3D eye model based gaze tracking technology are briefly summarized.