The mechanisms by which toxins affect the retina vary. For instance, chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine accumulate in retinal pigment epithelial cells, leading to cell death and subsequent retinal degeneration. Methanol toxicity is primarily due to its metabolite, formaldehyde, which damages optic nerves and retinal cells. Tamoxifen-induced retinopathy appears to be related to its deposition in the retina, causing crystalline structures that disrupt normal function.
