Jakarta (ANTARA) – Neuro-ophthalmological consultant ophthalmologist dr. Syntia Nusanti, Sp.M (K), M.Pd.Ked stated that vision can become blurry, slowly or suddenly, due to poisoning by certain chemicals.
“Visual nerve or retinal intoxication can be experienced slowly or suddenly and can be caused by drugs or other substances that have the potential to damage the optic nerve, such as toluene and methanol,” said Dr. RSUPN’s physician. . Cipto Mangunkusumo during an online discussion in Jakarta on Friday.
According to Syntia, the gradual decrease in visual acuity is usually caused by certain chemicals, such as the toluene in the glue. In addition, there are also drugs such as ethambutol, isoniazid, linezolid which are consumed by tuberculosis patients; as well as other drugs.
However, Syntia said these drugs have a very low prevalence of eye poisoning, so not everyone who takes the drug will have blurred vision.
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“Many things that affect medicine can cause blurring. The first is usually the dose of the drug there is tolerance to the drug. Second, the patient’s nutritional status. Third, the state of kidney function. So not all patients who use the drug will be opaque, “she said.
Meanwhile, the sudden blurring of vision is often caused by methanol, one of which is contained in the contraband liquor. Syntia said patients who consume oplosan usually come to the doctor with complaints of nausea, sudden blurring, and very poor vision.
Unlike contraband liquor, according to Syntia, well-distilled alcohol does not usually cause a sudden decrease in visual acuity.
However, alcohol will also slowly reduce vision even if it occurs over the long term. In addition to alcohol, smoking can also cause a gradual decrease in visual acuity.
Syntia stressed the importance of individuals being aware of their visual conditions by comparing visual acuity between the left and right eye so that reduced function can be detected early.
“What is certain is that the most common clinical signs and symptoms experienced by patients are decreased color vision and contrast sensitivity. Also, the patient will feel a decrease in visual acuity, “she said.
Syntia said that in patients taking potentially intoxicating drugs, it would be best if they were screened before and during drug use. Usually the doctor who administers the drugs will also provide information on the risks that may arise.
“For alcohol users and smokers, of course my advice is to stop using them. Especially adulterated alcohol, it is absolutely not allowed because not only your eyes but your life could be threatened and the vision restoration process will be very difficult, “she said.
Syntia said additional aids could later be given to patients to improve visual acuity. In mild cases, blurring of vision can heal even if it takes a long time.
“Of course, your patience is needed because in this intoxicated state your sight cannot return (directly) as in cataracts, the surgery the next day (sight) is bright. But for situations like this it takes time before the optic nerve repairs itself and generally fails to reach what it was before the intoxication, “he said.
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