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How Can Vision Loss Due To Ethambutol Intake Be Treated?
Question: My son aged 48 ,an asthma patient was infected by TB & under treatment with antibiotics (UTHUMBUTOL(computol 1000mg) for a course of 6 months. Now suffering from side effects1) Numbness of his body below the waist for 3 months. & lately for the past 1 month ,losing his vision gradually in both eyes. T.B DRUG Stopped now. Opthalmalagic treatment -steroids given with no tangible improvement.Dr.says optical nerves affected termed the condition as OPTIC NEUROPATHY. We are much worried. Can my son regain his vision?please advice.
Brief Answer:
Optic neuropathy is reversible in most of the cases.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Optic nerve damage is known to a side effect of ethambutol.
But this is usually reversible after stopping ethambutol.
So you should wait and watch for at least 3 months. He will mostly regain his vision.
Don't give ethambutol further.
Also, give vitamin A supplement.
Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further.
Regards,
Dr. Kaushal Bhavsar, Pulmonologist
Optic neuropathy is reversible in most of the cases.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Optic nerve damage is known to a side effect of ethambutol.
But this is usually reversible after stopping ethambutol.
So you should wait and watch for at least 3 months. He will mostly regain his vision.
Don't give ethambutol further.
Also, give vitamin A supplement.
Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further.
Regards,
Dr. Kaushal Bhavsar, Pulmonologist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Remy Koshy
Dear Doctor,
Thank you for your reply on my son's side effect of vision loss & you have mentioned that the vision will be back after 3 moths. Will you please inform me the names of patients in XXXXXXX who have survived T.B & who had this side effect but recovered in 3-6 months. Their e mail ID/ addresses will be useful to contact & enquire them about their experiences which may be helpful in my son's case.
Thank you for your reply on my son's side effect of vision loss & you have mentioned that the vision will be back after 3 moths. Will you please inform me the names of patients in XXXXXXX who have survived T.B & who had this side effect but recovered in 3-6 months. Their e mail ID/ addresses will be useful to contact & enquire them about their experiences which may be helpful in my son's case.
Brief Answer:
Sorry to say but this is a breach of secrecy.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
But we doctors cannot share patients details with anyone. It is a breach in professional secrecy and so it is against law.
You need to be patient and keep calm.
Wait and watch is the only thing I could suggest for your son's condition.
Hope I have solved your query.
Regards,
Dr. Kaushal Bhavsar, Pulmonologist
Sorry to say but this is a breach of secrecy.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
But we doctors cannot share patients details with anyone. It is a breach in professional secrecy and so it is against law.
You need to be patient and keep calm.
Wait and watch is the only thing I could suggest for your son's condition.
Hope I have solved your query.
Regards,
Dr. Kaushal Bhavsar, Pulmonologist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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