Methyl alcohol poisoning III. Ocular toxicity

Arch Ophthalmol. 1977 Oct;95(10):1851-8. doi: 10.1001/archopht.1977.04450100153022.

Abstract

The ocular toxicity of methyl alcohol has been investigated in six rhesus monkeys. All the animals developed fundus changes within 43 to 171 hours after its ingestion. The only fundus lesion seen was optic disc edema and associated changes, usually of a marked degree. Fluorescein fundus angiography confirmed the findings. The retinal and choroidal circulations, including the retinal capillary bed, were normal. Ophthalmoscopically and angiographically, optic disc edema in methyl alcohol poisoning was indistinguishable from that seen in raised intracranial pressure, except that no increased intracranial pressure was observed. It is postulated that optic disc edema in methyl alcohol poisoning is due to an axoplasmic flow stasis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Blindness / chemically induced
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Fluorescein Angiography
  • Haplorhini
  • Humans
  • Macaca mulatta
  • Methanol / poisoning*
  • Papilledema / chemically induced*
  • Poisoning / cerebrospinal fluid
  • Pupil

Substances

  • Methanol