Danger! "Methanol" from Counterfeit Alcohol and Bootleg Liquor Can Cause Vision Loss, Headaches, Blurred Vision—Seek Medical Attention Immediately as It Can Be Life-Threatening

Metta Pracharak Hospital (Wat Rai Khing) warns that consuming methanol can lead to blurred vision, double vision, and vision loss. In severe cases, it may result in permanent blindness and could be life-threatening. Prompt and appropriate treatment can reduce the risk of death and severe complications.

Dr. Arkorn Chaiveerawatana, Director of Metta Pracharak Hospital (Wat Rai Khing), explained that methanol is a colorless and odorless alcohol used in various industries, such as in the production of fuels, paints, and chemicals. However, methanol is not safe for consumption. Ingesting methanol, often found in counterfeit or bootleg alcohol, can lead to dangerous toxicity, resulting in vision loss or even death. When methanol enters the body, it is metabolized in the liver by the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase into formaldehyde, a highly toxic substance. Formaldehyde is then converted into formic acid, which damages cells in various body systems, particularly the nervous and respiratory systems.

Dr. Warin Smithimethin, an ophthalmologist specializing in the retina and vitreous, added that symptoms of methanol poisoning may take from 1 hour to 3 days to appear. Common symptoms include headaches, dizziness, confusion, seizures, blurred vision, double vision, vision loss, and, in severe cases, permanent blindness. Other symptoms may include difficulty breathing, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and metabolic acidosis, a condition where high acidity builds up in the blood due to formic acid accumulation, which can be life-threatening. Rapid diagnosis is crucial, and doctors will consider the patient's history of substance consumption, symptoms, physical examination, and blood levels of methanol and its metabolites. Additionally, blood pH and electrolyte levels are important in assessing the patient's condition. Treatment for methanol poisoning must be immediate to minimize damage to the nervous system and other body systems. Treatment options include administering medications to reduce methanol toxicity, dialysis, and folic acid supplementation. Prevention involves storing methanol-containing chemicals in safe, inaccessible places, and being cautious when consuming alcohol without labels or certification, as it may unintentionally contain methanol. It is important to seek medical attention immediately, as prompt and appropriate treatment can reduce the risk of severe complications or death.

Source: Thai Health