BILATERAL METHANOL OPTIC NEUROPATHY AFTER INTRAVENOUS ADMINISTRATION

Abstract

A 21-year-old man was evaluated for bilateral vision loss following intravenous methanol administration. The sudden bilateral visual loss was associated with retinal splinter hemorrhage and cotton wool spots following self-intravenous administration of 250 mL denatured alcohol (95% alcohol+100 ppm methanol). Glaucomatous-like cupping of the optic discs developed with partial recovery of visual function, especially in the left eye. Methanol is a highly toxic substance to the optic nerves. A single low dose of methanol (25 mg for this patient) was sufficient to produce optic nerve damage.