Effects of Ethambutol on Visual Acuity, Contrast & Colour Vision; A Descriptive Analysis

Abstract

Objective: To determine the effects of Ethambutol on visual acuity, contrast sensitivity and colour vision in tuberculosis patients taking Ethambutol drug.

Place and Duration: This study was conducted in Rawalpindi Leprosy Hospital and time duration was 2 months.

Methodology: It was hospital based, descriptive, cross-sectional study. Written consent was taken from every patient to take part in this study.

Results: A total 50 participants were included in this study, in which 26 (52%) were male and 24 (48%) were female Participants having age groups of 10-25 years old were 15 (30%) and 26-40 years were 14 (28%) while having 41-55 years were 11 (22%) 56-70 were 7 (14%) and 71-85 were 3 (6%). In total 7 (14%) patients develop visual functions defects after 2 months of taking 25mg/kg dose of Ethambutol out of which in right eye 3 (6%) patients developed visual acuity defects, 1(2%) showed decline in contrast sensitivity and 5 (10%) acquired color vision defects while in left eye 3 (6%) patients developed visual acuity defects, 2(4%) developed contrast sensitivity defects and 5 (10%) developed color vision defects.

Conclusion: Long term use of Ethambutol causes serious visual functions disorders which may lead to permanent vision loss. Vision is the basic human right so medical professional and patients both should take serious precautions and care when administrating and using Ethambutol.