Retinal Toxicity Associated With Occupational Exposure to the Fish Anesthetic MS-222

• Published in: American journal of ophthalmology 1997-12, Vol.124 (6), p.843-844
• Main Authors: Bernstein, Paul S., Digre, Kathleen B., Creel, Donnell J.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aminobenzoates - adverse effects; Anesthetics - adverse effects; Animals; Biological and medical sciences; Chemical compounds (mineral, organic); Chemical, physic and infectious diseases; Diagnosis, Differential; Electroretinography; Fishes; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Male; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Occupational Diseases - chemically induced; Occupational Diseases - diagnosis; Occupational Diseases - physiopathology; Occupational Exposure - adverse effects; Occupational medicine; Public health. Hygiene-occupational medicine; Retina - drug effects; Retina - pathology; Retina - physiopathology; Retinal Diseases - chemically induced; Retinal Diseases - diagnosis; Retinal Diseases - physiopathology; Visual Acuity
• ISSN: 0002-9394; 1879-1891
• DOI: 10.1016/S0002-9394(14)71705-2

To report a case of retinopathy associated with chronic occupational exposure to ethyl-m-aminobenzoic acid methanesulfonate (MS-222), a retinotoxic fish anesthetic. Case report with electroretinograms to document changes in visual electrophysiology. An ichthyologist with a long history of skin exposure to MS-222 was initially examined for decreased vision, photophobia, and photopsia. His electroretinogram abnormalities were similar to those seen in animal models of acute MS-222 toxicity. After terminating MS-222 contact for 7 months, his vision returned to normal, and his electroretinogram improved. Individuals with occupational exposure to MS-222 should exercise caution to avoid systemic absorption of this retinotoxic compound.