Ethambutol-Induced Toxic Optic Neuropathy Visual Effects

Background: Since there is currently no effective treatment for EON, stopping EMB as soon as possible is still the best way to stop the disease's progression and speed up visual recovery. As a result, early risk factor identification and EON detection are crucial. Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate the visual outcomes of patients with ethambutol-induced toxic optic neuropathy and to identify clinical and structural factors associated with visual recovery following discontinuation of the drug. Materials and Methods: It was a retrospective, observational study. The study was carried out at a tertiary care centre. The study data that was retrieved was for one year and six months, i.e., from April 2024 to October 2025. Data from 65 participants were retrieved for the study. Patients with ethambutol-induced optic neuropathy who were at least eighteen years old and had comprehensive ocular records, including visual acuity and OCT data, were included in the study. Results: Patients were about 55 years old on average. Nearly 80% of individuals had both eyes affected. The majority had moderate to severe visual impairment at the time of presentation, with just 18.5% having relatively good vision (≥ 6/18). Severe vision loss was present in nearly two-fifths of individuals (< 6/60). Conclusion: The study concluded that less than half of individuals with ethambutol-induced optic neuropathy showed improvement in their vision after stopping the medication. Recommendations: All patients on ethambutol therapy should undergo routine baseline and follow-up ocular screening; high-risk people, such as the elderly and those with low baseline vision, should be closely monitored.