Methanol-induced bilateral optic neuropathy

Authors

  • Joseph M. Ranche, MD Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences University of the Philippines Philippine General Hospital Manila, Philippines Author
  • Raul D. Cruz, MD Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences University of the Philippines Philippine General Hospital Manila, Philippines Author
  • Froilan P. Inocencio, MD Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences University of the Philippines Philippine General Hospital Manila, Philippines Author

Keywords:

Methanol toxicity, Methanol-induced optic neuropathy, Alcohol-related ocular toxicity

Abstract

Objective: To emphasize the importance of diagnosing cases of methanol toxicity, demonstrate the value of electrophysiologic testing as an adjunct in the diagnosis, and provide a framework for intervention.

Methods: This is a case report.

Results: The patient’s visual-evoked-response tracing showed failure of transmission while electroretinogram waveforms were normal. The findings were consistent with bilateral optic neuropathy from ingestion of methanol.

Conclusion: Complete clinical history and ophthalmologic examination are vital to the diagnosis of methanol toxicity. Respiratory assessment and support and treatment of acidosis are the cornerstone of its management. Currently, the primary therapeutic approach is the use of competitive inhibitors of alcohol dehydrogenase.

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Published

2004-12-01

Issue

Vol. 29 No. 4

Section

Case Report

License

Copyright (c) 2004 Philippine Journal of Ophthalmology

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.