Ocular toxicity due to methanol poisoning: a case series and review of the literature


ÖZER V., BÜLBÜL Ö., UZLU D., ARICI M. A., Kiernan E., Korkut S., ...More

TOXIN REVIEWS, 2024 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Review
  • Publication Date: 2024
  • Doi Number: 10.1080/15569543.2024.2427262
  • Journal Name: TOXIN REVIEWS
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Applied Science & Technology Source, BIOSIS, CAB Abstracts, Environment Index, Food Science & Technology Abstracts, Veterinary Science Database
  • Karadeniz Technical University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Methanol is a toxic alcohol. Its metabolite formic acid directly damages the retina and neurons. This study aimed to investigate the currently available treatments for methanol-induced toxic optic neuropathy. We systematically searched for articles in Google Scholar and the National Library of Medicine's MEDLINE Database (PubMed) from 1950 to date using the following keywords: 1) methyl alcohol, 2) methanol, 3) methanol-induced retinal toxicity, 4) methanol exposure or poisoning, and 5) antidote or treatment or cure. The articles were reviewed and categorized under the following main headings: exposure, retinal toxicity mechanism, ocular findings, diagnosis, treatment (decontamination and support treatment, sodium bicarbonate, antidotes, extracorporeal treatment, adjunctive treatment, specific treatment strategies and experimental models, erythropoietin, antioxidant and neuroprotective agents, and other treatments). Methanol toxicity remains a major problem worldwide, especially among individuals with a low socioeconomic status. Unfortunately, there is no evidence-based treatment for methanol-induced retinopathy; however, early initiation of steroid treatment may improve the prognosis. Animal experiments and randomized controlled clinical studies are required to determine the efficacy of agents with antioxidant and neuroprotective effects in the treatment of methanol-induced toxic optic neuropathy.