eye disorders
Nutritional and Toxic Optic Neuropathies
Introduction
Nutritional and toxic optic neuropathies are damage to the optic nerve caused by undernutrition (nutritional optic neuropathies) or by exposure to a substance that is harmful to the optic nerve (toxic optic neuropathies), such as lead, methanol (wood alcohol or methyl alcohol), ethylene glycol (antifreeze), or certain drugs. A nutritional deficiency or toxic substance is sometimes the cause of optic neuropathy. Vision usually deteriorates gradually. People should avoid further exposure to toxic substances or take nutritional supplements. (See also Overview of Optic Nerve Disorders .) 