Ethambutol – Induced Optic Neuritis

Tawee Angkawinijwong MD.*,
Watanee T. Jenchitr MD.*
*Department of Opthalmology, Lampang Hospital

    Abstract Retrospective study has been done on the patients who were treated with Ethambutol for tuberculosis. It later caused optic neuritis to ten patients. The duration ranges from two to sixteen months. Blured vision, color vision abnormality and visual field defect were shown. The treatment regimen are stop using Ethambutol and start giving Zinc, Prednisolone and vitamin B. Seven out of ten showed an improvement in half to five months after treatment. Three of the ten did not show any improvement after following up for one, three and five months.

    Tuberculosis is a preventable disease and the medications that are commonly used included Ethambutol. Visual acuity, color vision and visual field should be checked before starting treatment and during follow up every month. If optic neuritis is detected, Ethambutol should be stopped immediately. INH toxicity should be suspected if the vision does not improve after stop Ethambutol.

Thai J Ophthalmol 1987 December 1(2):55-58.