Reversible optic neuropathy related to disulfiram

Objective: To report a case of bilateral optic neuropathy, possibly caused by disulfiram.

Methods: Clinical case report.

Results: A 46-year-old patient, treated with disulfiram for the past 4 years for chronic alcoholism, presented with progressive bilateral, painless, severe visual loss, related to optic neuropathy. An extensive work-up did not disclose any other possible cause than a toxic optic neuropathy caused by disulfiram. Discontinuation of disulfiram resulted in rapid, complete visual recovery.

Conclusions: Disulfiram can cause toxic optic neuropathy, which can recover after discontinuing the medication, even after a long period of intoxication.