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Acute ocular methanol toxicity: clinical and electrophysiological features
M J McKellar1, R R Hidajat, M J Elder
1Department of Ophthalmology, Christchurch Hospital, New Zealand.
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Ophthalmology
|August 1, 1997
Summary
Acute methanol ingestion can cause significant ocular damage, leading to changes in electroretinogram (ERG) and visual-evoked response (VER). This study details these previously undocumented visual system effects.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neuroscience
- Toxicology
Background:
- Methanol poisoning is a serious condition that can lead to vision loss.
- Ocular manifestations of methanol toxicity are not fully understood.
- Electrophysiological changes in the visual system following methanol ingestion require further documentation.
Observation:
- Two cases of acute ocular damage after methanol ingestion were studied.
- Patients experienced transient visual disturbances, with initial 6/6 vision improving to 6/4.
- Ophthalmoscopy revealed optic disc hyperemia, swelling, retinal edema, and cystoid macular edema with 'pseudo cherry red spots'.
Findings:
- Automated visual field analysis showed generalized retinal sensitivity depression, enlarged blind spots, and paracentral scotomas.
- The electroretinogram (ERG) demonstrated subnormal scotopic responses with diminished a- and b-waves.
- Pattern visual-evoked response (VER) showed normal P2 latency but reduced amplitude.
Implications:
- Methanol ingestion can result in characteristic ocular damage and significant electrophysiological dysfunction.
- Evidence suggests methanol impacts photoreceptors, Muller cells, and the retrolaminar optic nerve.
- This research highlights the critical need for prompt diagnosis and management of methanol toxicity to prevent irreversible vision impairment.
