Blurred vision after exposure to paint thinner most likely indicates poisoning with which substance?

Blurred vision after exposure to paint thinner most likely indicates poisoning with which substance?

• A. Ethanol
• B. Isopropanol
• C. Ethylene glycol
• D. Methanol

Answer: (D)

Blurred vision after exposing someone to a paint thinner points to methanol poisoning because methanol is metabolized to formic acid, which damages the optic nerve and retina. This optic-toxic effect produces the characteristic visual disturbances, potentially progressing to blindness if not treated. Other common alcohols don’t produce this pattern: ethanol and isopropanol mainly cause central nervous system depression without the targeted optic damage; ethylene glycol causes severe metabolic acidosis and kidney injury rather than primary vision loss. The telltale visual impairment makes methanol the best fit for this scenario.

Blurred vision after exposing someone to a paint thinner points to methanol poisoning because methanol is metabolized to formic acid, which damages the optic nerve and retina. This optic-toxic effect produces the characteristic visual disturbances, potentially progressing to blindness if not treated.

Other common alcohols don’t produce this pattern: ethanol and isopropanol mainly cause central nervous system depression without the targeted optic damage; ethylene glycol causes severe metabolic acidosis and kidney injury rather than primary vision loss. The telltale visual impairment makes methanol the best fit for this scenario.