VISUAL SEQUELAE OF METHYL ALCOHOL POISONING: A CASE SERIES

Abstract

Purpose To study the visual problems and its sequelae in the victims of acute methanol poisoning in correlation with amount of methanol ingested and time of presentation. 20 cases of acute methanol poisoning presented to theMethod emergency department with acute methyl alcohol poisoning who were treated with supportive therapy. A complete history was taken regarding the time and amount of alcohol ingested, thorough systemic examination including fundus examination was done. All 20 patients were malesResult between 24 to 55 years. Blurring of vision started in all patients within 12-24 hours of consuming liquor. Initial fundus ndings were disc edema, hyperaemia, edema of peripaillary nerve bre bundles, arteriolar attenuation and venous tortuousity and macular edema in some. Nine patients were with permanent severe visual impairment. Early presentation with prompt treatment and good nutritional status of the patientConclusion have a signicant role in preserving and improving visual acuity, though no correlation was found with the amount country liquor ingested.