Optic nerve involvement in a case of methanol poisoning

Abstract

The eyes and optic nerves were studied histologically in a fatal case of methanol poisoning in a 37-year-old man. The most striking findings were bilateral central necrosis of the optic nerves from behind the lamina cribrosa to the orbital apex. Proximal parts of the nerve and the tract showed no necrosis. It is suggested that the complex blood supply of the nerve may be of importance.