What serious health effect is associated with methanol poisoning?

Methanol poisoning is primarily associated with ocular damage, particularly because methanol is metabolized to formaldehyde and formic acid, both of which are highly toxic to the optic nerve and can lead to visual disturbances, including blindness. The mechanism involves the inhibition of mitochondrial function and the resultant damage to retinal and optic nerve tissues.

The effect of methanol on vision is significant and can occur even with relatively low levels of methanol exposure. Symptoms of ocular damage can include blurred vision, changes in color perception, and in severe cases, complete loss of vision. Thus, recognizing the potential for ocular toxicity is crucial in cases of suspected methanol ingestion, making this a key health effect associated with methanol poisoning.

While other health effects associated with methanol poisoning, such as metabolic acidosis and effects on various organs, are important considerations, the prominent and often irreversible damage to eyesight makes ocular damage a particularly serious consequence of methanol exposure.