#606 Eye irritation
Objective of the study
The test should provide information on the potential of the active ingredient and the formulated product to cause eye irritation, including if relevant, the potential reversibility of the effects observed.
Circumstances under which the study is required
The eye irritation study should always be conducted.
The study is normally not required if the pesticide is corrosive to the eye, or has a pH of < 2 or > 11.5
Test organism
The study in vivo is normally conducted in the rabbit. Alternatively, corneas from cattle eyes, or chicken eyes are also used.
Test substance
- Technical grade active ingredient
- Formulated product
Typical endpoints of the study
Animal irritant responses may include values/categories for corneal opacity, iritis, conjuctival redness, conjuctival oedema (chemosis), as well as reversibility of eye lesions.
Test guidelines
The following test guidelines may be used for determination of eye irritation:
• OECD Guidelines for the Testing of Chemicals. Test No. 405: Acute eye irritation/corrosion
• OECD Guidelines for the Testing of Chemicals. Test No. 437: Bovine corneal opacity and permeability test method for identifying ocular corrosiveness and severe irritants
• OECD Guidelines for the Testing of Chemicals. Test No. 438: Isolated chicken eye test method for identifying ocular corrosiveness and severe irritants
• US EPA Health Effects Test Guidelines. OPPTS 870.2400: Acute eye irritation