Ethambutol Optic Neuropathy: Vigilance and Screening, the Keys to Prevent Blindness with the Revised Anti-tuberculous Therapy Regimen

There has been change in the guidelines for the management of tuberculosis in India. The new guidelines advocate the daily use of Ethambutol for both intensive and continuation phase of the treatment. This may be a matter of concern as increased cumulative dose may lead to increase in incidence of toxic optic neuropathy due to ethambutol. Indian Neuro-Ophthalmology Society has taken cognizance of the issue and has come-up with guidelines for prevention and early detection of the toxic optic neuropathy.