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Published on: May 25, 2022
Ocular toxicology: the Draize eye test
Antonio Secchi1, Velika Deligianni
1University of Padova, Padova, Italy. antonio.secchi@unipd.it
Purpose Of Review:
Superficial ocular tissues are frequently exposed to damage produced by chemical compounds applied on or around the ocular surface for cosmetic, therapeutic or accidental reasons. An experimental test measuring objectively and in a reproducible way any potential damaging effect would certainly help in prospectively minimizing unwanted effects. The Draize eye test, although commonly employed to date, does not seem to be quite satisfactory in this respect.
Recent Findings:
The limits of the Draize eye test and the results of some modified versions of the test are analysed. In particular, the good predictivity of the so-called low-volume Draize eye test and the recent findings of studies on the in-vitro and ex-vivo alternatives to the Draize eye test are presented.
Summary:
The Draize eye test, despite criticisms, has been used in the clinical setting for a long time and still remains the reference protocol. To date, only a combination of alternative methods, none of which is devoid of serious criticisms, seems to be able to exhaustively recognize potential irritants and avoiding for that purpose, in some cases, the use of living animals.
Insights
The Draize eye test for ocular irritation is limited. Modified versions and in-vitro/ex-vivo alternatives show promise for assessing chemical safety, potentially reducing animal testing.
Area of Science:
- Ocular Toxicology
- Chemical Safety Assessment
Background:
- Superficial ocular tissues are vulnerable to chemical damage from cosmetic, therapeutic, or accidental exposures.
- Objective and reproducible methods are needed to assess potential ocular tissue damage.
- The current standard, the Draize eye test, has limitations in its predictability and reproducibility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the limitations of the Draize eye test.
- To evaluate modified versions and alternative methods for ocular irritation testing.
- To explore methods for minimizing unwanted ocular effects from chemical exposures.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of existing literature on the Draize eye test and its modifications.
- Review of studies on in-vitro and ex-vivo alternatives to the Draize eye test.
- Evaluation of the predictivity of modified testing protocols.
Main Results:
- The Draize eye test has recognized limitations.
- Modified versions, such as the low-volume Draize eye test, demonstrate good predictivity.
- Emerging in-vitro and ex-vivo alternatives show potential for ocular irritation assessment.
Conclusions:
- The Draize eye test remains a reference despite criticisms.
- Alternative methods are being developed to improve ocular irritancy testing.
- A combination of alternative methods may be necessary to fully identify irritants and reduce animal use.
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