HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Swallowed Windshield Washer Fluid By Accident. Can This Cause Blindness?

default
Posted on Thu, 21 Jun 2012
Question: My 19 year old nephew swallowed what amounted to 3 or less tablespoons of windshield washer fluid. He ingested it and is feeling better. Is this still enough to make him go blind? He is 5 foot 4 and weighs around 110 lbs.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Gyanshankar Mishra (55 minutes later)
Hi,

Thanks for posting your query.
I would suggest that you take your nephew to the ER immediately so that a complete evaluation can be done and appropriate therapy can be prescribed.
After going through the history, I would like to make the following comments:

1. Windshield washer fluid contains the active ingredient of methanol a poisonous alcohol.

2. For adults, around 4 tablespoon can be XXXXXXX The quantity that you mentioned is less than this.
3. Although blindness is common and often permanent despite medical care, a lot depends on how quick he received medical attention including stomach wash & administration of medicines along with antidote. Also, it is important to know his other blood parameters including biochemical tests.
4. One important piece of information that would help you is by contacting the manufacturers of the windshield washer fluid, you can ascertain if the fluid "was watered-down form of methanol during manufacturing process". If it was watered down, this will mean that there is some chance of good recovery.

I hope I have answered your query. Please do let me know if there are any further queries.
Please accept my answer if there are no further queries.

Wish your nephew a speedy and good health recovery.

Regards.

Dr. Gyanshankar Mishra
MBBS, MD, DNB
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Aparna Kohli
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Gyanshankar Mishra

Pulmonologist

Practicing since :2003

Answered : 600 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Swallowed Windshield Washer Fluid By Accident. Can This Cause Blindness?

Hi,

Thanks for posting your query.
I would suggest that you take your nephew to the ER immediately so that a complete evaluation can be done and appropriate therapy can be prescribed.
After going through the history, I would like to make the following comments:

1. Windshield washer fluid contains the active ingredient of methanol a poisonous alcohol.

2. For adults, around 4 tablespoon can be XXXXXXX The quantity that you mentioned is less than this.
3. Although blindness is common and often permanent despite medical care, a lot depends on how quick he received medical attention including stomach wash & administration of medicines along with antidote. Also, it is important to know his other blood parameters including biochemical tests.
4. One important piece of information that would help you is by contacting the manufacturers of the windshield washer fluid, you can ascertain if the fluid "was watered-down form of methanol during manufacturing process". If it was watered down, this will mean that there is some chance of good recovery.

I hope I have answered your query. Please do let me know if there are any further queries.
Please accept my answer if there are no further queries.

Wish your nephew a speedy and good health recovery.

Regards.

Dr. Gyanshankar Mishra
MBBS, MD, DNB