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Abstract
Exposure of rabbit and monkey eyes to household aerosol insecticide sprays containing the cholinesterase inhibitors propoxur and dicahlorvos (DDVP) results in maximal pupillary constriction (pinpoint pupil) 10–30 min postexposure with complete recovery by 4 hr. Topical application of propoxur (0.1–1 %) or dichlorvos (0.2–2%) to rabbit eyes showed that the magnitude of the response is dose related but that recovery is complete by 4 hr at all doses. Ocular irritation in rabbits exposed topically to these substances consisted of mild conjunctival hyperemia, chemosis, and discharge. Exposure of monkey eyes to the aerosol products resulted in corneal epithelial erosion and corneal swelling. All ocular irritancy was entirely attributable to the effect of the 90% kerosene/10% isopropanol vehicle rather than the active ingredients. It can be predicted that accidental exposure of human eyes to household aerosol insecticides containing cholinesterase inhibitors will result in pupillary constriction by 30 min with recovery by 4 hr. Irritation of the ocular surface will consist of mild conjunctival irritation and possible corneal epithelial erosion.