Uveal effusion syndrome.

The history and clinical findings are presented of a patient who suffered from the uveal effusion syndrome over a 10-year period from 1956. The funduscopic appearance is illustrated both at the time of initial presentation and 36 years later. This condition typically affects healthy middle-aged men and causes recurrent, spontaneous, serous retinal and ciliochoroidal detachments, often resulting in significant visual impairment. Two separate hypotheses have been postulated to explain the pathogenesis of the uveal effusion syndrome, one relating to abnormally thickened sclera, the other to chronic bulbar hypotony. Both are discussed, as is the rationale behind the current management of this unusual condition.

Partly reversible visual failure with methanol toxicity.

Methanol is a highly toxic substance which is used as an industrial solvent and in automotive antifreeze. If accidentally ingested blindness or death may result. The case of a young woman who developed sudden onset of visual failure following ingestion of a methanol-fortified beverage is presented. Although she failed to seek immediate medical help visual function improved. Acute changes of bilateral optic disc hyperaemia and venous engorgement were present at initial examination. She subsequently developed optic disc atrophy together with glaucomatous-like cupping of the optic discs. The aetiology of visual failure in methanol poisoning is discussed, as are the current therapeutic guidelines in the management of acute cases.