Work

Potential association of bilateral macular edema with retinal vein occlusion triggered by volatile organic compounds of paint: A case report

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Large amounts of v olatile organic compounds (VOCs) are contained in printing inks and paint materials. The inhalation of VOCs causes a variety of adverse health effects, and w e report our findings in a rare case of bilateral cystoid macular edema (CME) associated with retinal vein occlusion (RVO) that was exacerbated after painting work. A 60-year-old male house painter with bilateral RVO developed a persistent CME. He was treated with triamcinolone acetonide and anti-VEGF intravitreal injections, and later with vitrectomy combined with cataract surgery in both eyes due to a persistent bilateral CME. The CME was partially resolved but the CME recurred immediately after beginning his painting work. Urinary metabolites of paint-related VOCs such as 3-methylhippurate, mandelate, and phenylglyoxylate were very high, with an increase of 2700–7000 % compared with normal values. After resigning from the paint job, the patient's CME improved in both eyes. A CME might be exacerbated by the exposure to paint-related VOCs. Our findings suggest that reducing and avoiding the occupational exposure to VOCs and regular measurements of urinary VOC concentration are important for those who work in the printing and painting industries.

Source: American Journal of Ophthalmology Case Reports

DOI: 10.1016/j.ajoc.2025.102283

Authors: Tatsuya Mimura, Hidetaka Noma

Institutions: Tsurumi University, Teikyo University Hospital, Teikyo University, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo Medical University Ibaraki Medical Center

Language: English

Topic: Retinal Diseases and Treatments

Subfield: Ophthalmology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,590