Ocular toxicity of ethylene chlorohydrin and ethylene glycol in rabbit eyes.

Abstract Toxicity and irritation of ethylene chlorohydrin and ethylene glycol were assessed in rabbit eyes following multiple topical or multiple intraocular (anterior chamber) administrations. Ethylene glycol was nontoxic and nonirritating at 0.4% concentration following topical and intraocular administration. Ocular toxicity at higher test concentrations consisted of conjunctival redness, chemosis, flare, and iritis. Ethylene chlorohydrin was nontoxic and nonirritating at 1.0% and 0.5% concentrations following topical and intraocular administration, respectively. Ocular toxicity at higher test concentrations consisted of conjunctival redness, chemosis, discharge, flare, iritis, pannus, transient corneal opacity (topical route), nontransient corneal opacity (intraocular route), lens capsule rupture, and opaque lens.