This is a real-world medical entrance exam question, please give the true answer based on the question and selection. Topic name: Vitreous and retina, Subject name: Ophthalmology
Methanol attacks 
Select and explain. 
A. Cones, B. Rods, C. Ganglion cells of retina, D. Germinal cell layer
C: Ganglion cells of retina
Answer: C: Ganglion cells of retina 
Explanation: (Refer: AK Khurana Comprehensive Ophthalmology, 6th edition, pg no.63 - 65) Methyl alcohol is metabolized very slowly and thus stays for a longer period in the bodyIt is oxidized into formic acid and formaldehyde in the tissues. These toxic agents cause edema followed by degeneration of the ganglion cells of the retina, resulting in complete blindness due to optic atrophy Methanol intoxication leads to oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction, which in turn results in ganglion cell and optic nerve necrosis. Antioxidant therapy that inhibits the oxidative stress reaction is now being used as an alternative method of preventing methanol intoxication