Approaches to a Quantitative Method for Testing Eye Irritation
Sam P. Battista , Eugene S. McSweeney, Jr.

Synopsis

The validity of the Draize eye irritancy test has been recently questioned, and its use has become the subject of considerable controversy. An experimental approach used to determine the irritancy of industrial materials in our laboratory has been found to provide quantitative and reproducible data. This method is based upon the response obtained in the eye as a function of different exposure times. These exposures are varied in an attempt to ascertain the maximum level of exposure which the tissue will tolerate before ocular changes are produced. Two or more additional points are included at longer exposure times in an attempt to elicit discernible changes. The eyes are examined, and the lesions scored. From the data, a time-response curve is constructed for each sample. It is possible to compare the relative irritancy of different samples by estimating the exposure time required to produce equivalent lesions. Both rabbit eyes are instilled either with two different test materials or with a test material and a standard. The use of a new corneal eye applicator has greatly improved the reproducibility of results obtained with viscous materials.

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