Question

Which of the following can damage optic nerve leading to blindness, if taken internally?
(a) CH₃COOH
(b) C₂H₅OH
(c) NaHCO₃
(d) CH₃OH

Answer 1

CH₃OH
CH₃OH (methanol), when consumed, oxidises into methanal into the liver. This causes coagulation of protoplasm in the cells, as methanal reacts rapidly with the components of the cells. Due to this, the cells stop functioning and damage the optic nerve leading to blindness.