Abstract

Methods: We conducted a retrospective case series analysis of patients presenting with optic neuritis attributed to ethambutol exposure at a tertiary eye care center. changes. Additionally, we examined the chronological relationship between guideline revisions and reported cases.
Results: A total of 20 patients (13% male, 7% female) were identified with a mean age of 30 years. All patients had received ethambutol as per revised RNTCP guidelines. The mean duration of ethambutol therapy before symptom onset was 8 weeks. Visual acuity ranged from 6/24 to 6/18. Fundus examination revealed optic disc swelling in 40 % of cases, and OCT showed retinal nerve fiber layer thinning in all patients.
Conclusion: Our case series highlights an alarming increase in optic neuritis due to ethambutol toxicity after the revision of RNTCP guidelines.