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.
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