Alcohol is a common element in our social lives. We use it to celebrate certain occasions or to unwind after a long day at work. However, not all types of alcoholic drinks are created equal.

There is one type of beverage that has been linked to blindness, and that is moonshine.

What is moonshine?

Moonshine is a type of unregulated distilled alcohol that is usually made at home, hence its nickname “home-brewed” or “bathtub gin.” It mostly comes from corn mash, but it can also be made using other types of grains or fruits.

Moonshine has been around for centuries, and its popularity is not limited to the United States, where it is predominantly produced and consumed.

In other parts of the world, it goes by different names and is often brewed in rural areas where the production and sale of alcohol are not regulated by the government.

Why is moonshine dangerous?

The production of moonshine is largely unregulated, which means that there are no standards for its safety. Unlike commercially produced alcohol, there are no quality control measures in place to ensure that it is fit for human consumption.

The use of questionable ingredients and unhygienic methods of production can result in a product that is toxic and potentially deadly.

Moonshine is often made using makeshift equipment that may contain lead or other harmful chemicals. When ingested, these chemicals can cause blindness or even death.

Furthermore, the distillation process for moonshine does not always remove all the impurities and toxins that are present in the mash, making it even more hazardous.

Blindness caused by moonshine

The most common cause of blindness from moonshine is methanol poisoning. Methanol is a type of alcohol that is produced during the distillation process. It is highly toxic and can cause permanent blindness or even death if ingested in large quantities.

Unlike ethanol, the type of alcohol that is found in beer and wine, the body cannot effectively process methanol. When methanol is ingested, it is metabolized to formaldehyde and formic acid, which can damage the optic nerve.

Symptoms of methanol poisoning include dizziness, blurred vision, headaches, nausea, and in severe cases, seizures and coma. Treatment for methanol poisoning involves hospitalization and the administration of an antidote called fomepizole.

However, even with prompt treatment, the damage to the optic nerve from methanol poisoning is often irreversible.

Preventing blindness caused by moonshine

The safest way to avoid blindness caused by moonshine is to avoid drinking it altogether. Opt for commercially produced alcohol instead.

If you suspect that you or someone you know has ingested moonshine or another type of unregulated alcohol, seek medical attention immediately. Delays in treatment can lead to serious complications, including permanent blindness.

The bottom line

Moonshine is a dangerous and often deadly type of alcohol. Its unregulated production and use of questionable ingredients can result in a product that is toxic and potentially deadly.

The most common cause of blindness from moonshine is methanol poisoning, which can cause permanent damage to the optic nerve. The safest way to avoid blindness caused by moonshine is to avoid drinking it altogether.