Severe Optic Neuropathy Caused by Dichloromethane Inhalation

Abstract

Based on our findings, we considered that the central nervous system, including the optic nerve, was more severely damaged than the retina due to the normal findings in the ocular fundus and ERG examinations. Since dichloromethane produces carbon monoxide when catabolized in the liver, carbon monoxide toxicity together with the direct toxic effect of dichloromethane were considered to contribute to optic neuropathy in this case. The outcome for the present patient was poor.