Eye specialist warns methanol in counterfeit alcohol can cause blindness

Dr. Karina Kuzina, an ophthalmologist, warned that counterfeit alcoholic beverages commonly contain methanol, which can cause optic nerve poisoning and potentially irreversible blindness. She said the body first reacts to the toxic substance through the eyes, with blurred vision, fading of colors and narrowing of the visual field among the primary symptoms. Kuzina noted that even a few milliliters of methanol can trigger severe poisoning. The substance is converted into formic acid in the liver, damaging the optic nerve. Symptoms can initially appear to be an ordinary headache during the first 12 to 24 hours, but they then emerge suddenly, with vision the first function affected. The specialist urged anyone experiencing blurred vision, color fading or a shrinking visual field after drinking a suspicious beverage to seek emergency medical care, noting that headaches, nausea and abdominal pain can accompany the eye symptoms. She stressed that self-treatment is ineffective and dangerous, and that early hospital intervention can allow the use of antidotes and blood purification methods, though damage to the optic nerve cannot be reversed. Kuzina also warned that drinks from unreliable sources may contain glass cleaner, antifreeze or homemade mixtures, and said that every hour counts after the onset of visual symptoms in preventing permanent vision loss.