The rare ethambutol-induced optic neuropathy: A case-report and literature review

RATIONALE: Ethambutol-induced optic neuropathy (EON) is a well-known complication that results from the use of ethambutol. The ocular manifestations of EON include painless loss of central vision and cecocentral scotomas in the visual field. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 75-year-old Chinese Han man suffered from this rare ocular disorder because he took ethambutol for about 8 months. DIAGNOSES: He was diagnosed as EON based on series of ophthalmic examinations performed. INTERVENTIONS: Since he has stopped taking this drug for 3 months, we just offered some neurotrophic agents to him. OUTCOMES: One month later, he came back for return visit. The ophthalmic examinations indicated recovery of the visual function very well. LESSONS: The EON is a reversible optic neuropathy if the ocular toxicity is monitored closely among the tuberculosis patients that take ethambutol.