Mercury intoxication and ophthalmic involvement: An update review

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Toxicology
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Mercury intoxication is a rare but severe condition impacting multiple organ systems, including the visual system.
• Ophthalmic manifestations range from extraocular muscle dysfunction to irreversible structural damage in the eye.
• Understanding the pathways and primary ocular targets of mercury toxicity is crucial for public health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and summarize structural and functional changes in the visual system due to mercury intoxication.
• To highlight the ongoing debate regarding direct ocular effects versus secondary brain damage.
• To identify the need for advanced imaging techniques in diagnosing and understanding mercury's visual impact.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of published studies on mercury intoxication and visual system alterations.
• Analysis of findings from various imaging techniques like in vivo confocal microscopy and optical coherence tomography (OCT).
• Evaluation of functional tests such as electroretinography.

Main Results:

• Mercury exposure causes significant damage to ocular structures (cornea, lens, retina, optic nerve) and visual functions (acuity, color vision, contrast sensitivity, visual field).
• Alterations in electroretinogram responses are widely reported.
• Current imaging and functional tests provide partial insights, but definitive conclusions remain elusive.

Conclusions:

• Mercury intoxication poses a significant threat to vision, with potential for irreversible damage.
• The precise mechanism (direct ocular vs. indirect neurological) and primary affected ocular structures require further investigation.
• Advanced imaging modalities are essential for future research and clinical assessment of visual impairment in mercury poisoning.