How harmful is methanol to the eyes?
Feb 08, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Cui Xin
Introduction
Methanol is an industrial-grade alcohol that can greatly affect eye vision, causing optic nerve damage and potentially leading to blindness in severe cases. If it enters the eye, immediately rinse thoroughly with large amounts of water and seek prompt medical examination and necessary medication. The first step when any chemical splashes onto the body or into the eyes is to immediately flush with abundant water. Always wear protective goggles and gloves when handling chemicals.
Methanol is an industrial-grade alcohol that significantly affects vision and can cause optic nerve damage, potentially leading to blindness in severe cases. If it enters the eye, immediately flush thoroughly with large amounts of clean water and seek prompt medical examination and treatment.
Methanol, also known as wood alcohol or wood spirit, has the characteristic odor of alcohol, is colorless and transparent, highly flammable, and volatile. It dissolves easily in water and organic solvents. Industrially, it is primarily used to produce antifreeze and solvents, and serves as a raw material in manufacturing formaldehyde, film, and other products. As an organic compound, methanol causes only irritation when it comes into direct contact with the surface of the eye. However, if a significant amount enters the eye, immediate medical attention is required for conjunctival sac irrigation using normal saline to thoroughly remove residual methanol and minimize further damage to ocular surface tissues. In cases involving corneal epithelial injury or conjunctival congestion, levofloxacin eye drops should be administered, and chlortetracycline eye ointment applied at night to prevent infection.
Regardless of the chemical involved, the first step when any substance splashes onto the body or into the eyes is to immediately rinse thoroughly with abundant water. Always wear protective goggles and gloves when handling chemicals during routine activities.
