Ethambutol(EMB)has been used as first-line antibiotics to treat tuberculosis. Side effects of ethambutol have been well documented since its original use, with the most serious one being optic neuropathy. EMB-induced optic neuropathy(EON)may be reversible in the early stages, but delayed diagnosis has been shown to result in permanent visual loss. Thus the reversibility of EON is dependent on early detection. In this review, we discuss risk factors, detection methods, treatment and prevention of EON.