Dr. SABYASACHI BANDYOPADHYAY

Dr.GHANTA ANIL KUMAR, Dr. SAMIR KUMAR BANDYOPADHYAY

Abstract

Purpose: To detect early ocular toxicity in patients receiving ethambutol as anti-tubercular therapy.

Methods: This was a prospective cohort study of 75 patients (150 eyes) for one year from 1st April 2020 to 31st March 2021 receiving ethambutol (15-20mg/kg/day), isoniazid, rifampicin and pyrazinamide. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), Colour vision, Visual field and Retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness were assessed at baseline and thereafter at 1st, 2nd and 6th month in both eyes of each patient.

Results: Mean age of the patients was 26.23±7.21 years. The visual parameters were normal at baseline and at 1st month of therapy. At 2nd month mean BCVA decreased significantly and abnormal colour vision was detected in 5 patients. Bilateral central scotoma was detected at 2nd month in two patients. The mean temporal RNFL thickness was reduced significantly at 2nd & 6th month of therapy.

Conclusion: Monthly visual assessment is necessary to detect early ethambutol toxicity.

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