Retinal toxicity associated with occupational exposure to the fish anesthetic MS-222.
OBJECTIVE
To report a case of retinopathy associated with chronic occupational exposure to ethyl-m-aminobenzoic acid methanesulfonate (MS-222), a retinotoxic fish anesthetic.


METHODS
Case report with electroretinograms to document changes in visual electrophysiology.


RESULTS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
Individuals with occupational exposure to MS-222 should exercise caution to avoid systemic absorption of this retinotoxic compound.
Bernstein
P S
PS
Moran Eye Center, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City 84132, USA. paul.bernstein@hsc.utah.edu
Digre
K B
KB
Creel
D J
DJ
D062365:Aminobenzoates / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000777:Anesthetics / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000818:Animals; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004596:Electroretinography; D005399:Fishes; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012160:Retina / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D012164:Retinal Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D014792:Visual Acuity
D062365:Aminobenzoates; D000777:Anesthetics; C003636:tricaine