THE EFFECT OF DI-ISOPROPYL FLUOROPHOSPHATE ON NORMAL HUMAN EYES

¹ Wilmer Ophthaimological Institute of the Johns Hopkins University and Hospital, and the Medical Division, Chemical Warfare Service, Edgewood Arsenal, Maryland

1. Two groups of men were exposed to di-isopropyl fluorophosphate vapor for a CT of 165 and 244 respectively. Ocular signs and symptoms caused by direct conjunctival absorption were their main reactions to the exposure. The severity of the signs and symptoms varied slightly with the CT.

2. Nine of the twelve men studied had a diminution of distant vision caused by a spasm of accommodation. They recovered normal distant vision in from 3 to 7 days.

3. Effort at accommodation caused pain. Adjustment of vision from far to near and from near to far was slower than normal. The nearest point of clear vision and the farthest point of clear vision were both closer than normal. The men spontaneously recovered from these signs and symptoms in from 3to7 days. All men could read with moderate effort Jaeger 1 print at all times if it was held sufficiently close to the eyes.

4. Except for one man who had a transient rise in intraocular tension, all displayed a subnormal tension for several days.

5. A performance test showed no decrease in efficiency in markmanship.

6. The ocular signs and symptoms of the men exposed to a CT of 244 were almost completely relieved by a single application of 0.25% atropine sulfate.