Erythropoietin Treatment for Methanol Optic Neuropathy

BACKGROUND:To present the effect of erythropoietin for the treatment of methanol optic neuropathy. METHODS:Two patients with methanol optic neuropathy were treated with 10,000 IU of intravenous erythropoietin twice a day for 3 days, 500 mg of methylprednisolone twice a day for 5 days (followed by 2 weeks of oral prednisolone [1 mg/kg per day]), and daily doses of vitamin B12, vitamin B6, and folic acid for 1 month. RESULTS:At presentation, the patients had no perception of light in both eyes, associated with mildly swollen optic discs. Both responded dramatically to the treatment regimen. In the first patient, visual acuity improved to 20/20 in both eyes within 3 days, whereas in the second patient, visual acuity returned to counting fingers at 6 feet, right eye, and 20/30, left eye, within 3 weeks. CONCLUSION:Intravenous erythropoietin may be an effective adjuvant when combined with current treatment for patients with methanol optic neuropathy.