ASTM E1055-99(2003)

This test method evaluates the eye irritation elicited by a test substance when introduced into the eye of a rabbit. For terminology see Terminology Standards E 609 and E 943.

Results of testing by this test method can be used to estimate the potential for eye irritation or injury in humans when this material is accidentally introduced into the eye.

The dose volume of 0.01 mL is used because this amount provides a very good discrimination between sub-stances of moderate irritancy plus the ability to detect potentially severe irritants or corrosives.^{4 ,5}

The dose volume of 0.01 is only one-tenth the volume specified in the Draize rabbit eye irritation test and thereby produces less ocular injury than the latter test.³ This results in a more humane test with better discrimination between moderate irritants than with a 0.1 mL volume.^{6 ,7}

1.1 This test method determines the duration and the numerical degree of eye irritation in young, adult albino rabbits. The test is an alternative method to the standard Draize eye irritation method. Experimentation indicates that this procedure provides more realistic data, and therefore a better basis for making predictions of eye responses from accidental exposure in man. This test method is applicable to both liquids and solids; it is not applicable to aerosols or vapors.

1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability and regulatory limitations prior to use.