The Eye (Rabbit/Human): Parameters to be Measured in the Field of Ocular Irritation

Abstract

The so-called Draize eye test, the offical method used worldwide for the evaluation of ocular irritancy, has been heavily criticised in recent years concerning its scientific credibility and its extensive use of animals.

Numerous methods have been, or are being, developed with the aim of complementing and/or replacing the Draize test. Regardless of their nature, these new techniques will have to be validated to guarantee their scientific credibility. Used singly or in batteries, the alternative tests will have to evaluate all the components of ocular toxicity, and in particular the reversible or non-reversible nature of the observed effects.