Anatomic and Functional Effects of Systemic Corticosteroids for Treating Toxic Optic Neuropathy Due to Methanol Intoxication

Abstract

Introduction:The aim of this study was to examine the anatomical and functional effects of high-dose intravenous steroids for toxic optic neuropathy due to methanol intoxication.Methods:In this retrospective study, we demonstrated six cases of toxic optic neuropathy due to acute methanol poisoning. Medical charts were evaluated for demographic characteristics of patients, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), fundus examination, optical coherence tomography, visually evoked potential (VEP) before and after the high-dose intravenous steroid treatment in the first week and the first month.Results:Ten eyes were involved. All patients were male and the mean age was 49.5±10.59 years. The duration of initiating the therapy was 4.5±1.3 days (3-6 days). BCVA values detected in the first week and the first month after the treatment were compared with those before the treatment, a statistically significant increase was found. In the total retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and Ganglion cell complex (GCC) in the first week, an increased thickness, which was not detected statistically significant, but in the first month, a statistically significant thinning was found. No significant difference was found in the VEP values after the treatment.Conclusion:For treating toxic optic neuropathy due to methanol, although an increase in visual acuity was observed at the end of the first month, optic nerve values such as RNFL and GCC continue to decrease.

Keywords

• methanol intoxication
• retinal nerve fiber layer
• toxic optic neuropathy