Shadows in the Light: Moonshine’s White Lightning and Vision Loss

Authors

• Nadim Ojaimi, Department of Medicine, University of Maryland Medical Center, MDFollow
• Aida Metri, MedStar Health Internal Medicine Residency Program, USA
• Carl Tanba, Department of Pulmonary Critical Care Medicine, Tufts Medical Center, MA
• Carlos Eduardo Baleeiro, Department of Pulmonary Critical Care Medicine, MedStar Health Baltimore, MD

Abstract

Methanol poisoning remains an important cause of severe metabolic and neurologic toxicity, most commonly resulting from ingestion of illicit or improperly distilled alcoholic beverages such as Moonshine. We report a case of acute methanol toxicity following Moonshine ingestion, presenting with central nervous system manifestations and visual symptoms. The patient experienced rapid clinical and visual improvement after timely treatment with fomepizole and emergent hemodialysis. In addition to standard therapy, corticosteroids were administered as an adjunctive treatment for visual involvement. This case highlights the importance of early recognition and prompt extracorporeal clearance in methanol poisoning and explores the potential role of corticosteroids as an adjunct in patients presenting with visual symptoms.

Recommended Citation

Ojaimi, Nadim; Metri, Aida; Tanba, Carl; and Baleeiro, Carlos Eduardo (2026) "Shadows in the Light: Moonshine’s White Lightning and Vision Loss," Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives: Vol. 16: Iss. 3, Article 8.
DOI: 10.55729/2000-9666.1598
Available at: https://scholarlycommons.gbmc.org/jchimp/vol16/iss3/8

DOI

10.55729/2000-9666.1598