Men who take erectile dysfunction drugs regularly (such as Viagra) have a higher risk of vision problems than men who don’t, a new study finds.
Erectile dysfunction is a condition that occurs when a person is unable to get and maintain an erection. Around 5 million Britons are affected by this condition.
The causes of erectile dysfunction can be psychological or physical, such as stress, depression, conditions that affect blood flow such as heart disease and diabetes.
Men who take erectile dysfunction drugs regularly (e.g. Viagra) have a higher risk of vision problems, a new study finds.
What does new research show?
US scientists analyzed data on 213,000 men who regularly used four common erectile dysfunction drugs – Viagra, Cialis, Levitra and Stendra.
The new study was published in the journal JAMA Ophthalmology.
Around 3.5 million prescriptions of this class are dispensed annually in the UK. The actual number of uses is even higher because many men buy over-the-counter drugs.
New research shows that people who regularly take these drugs are 2.6 times more likely to have severe retinal detachment.
Retinal detachment is an emergency in which the thin layer of tissue (retina) at the back of the eye peels away from its normal position. Warning signs of retinal detachment include the sudden appearance of flies, flashes of light, and decreased vision.
In addition, people taking these drugs also had a 2-fold increased risk of ischemic optic neuropathy and a 44% increased risk of retinal embolism.
While all three of these conditions are rare, they can cause vision loss.
What do experts say?
Lead researcher Dr Mahyar Etminan from the University of British Columbia, Canada, warned that there was a “close association” between erectile dysfunction drugs and the three eye diseases.
Dr Etminan also urged users of these drugs to “seek medical attention” if they see any change in vision.
Dr Etminan adds: “These drugs address erectile dysfunction by improving blood flow, but they can also interfere with blood flow in other parts of the body.”
“So while our study doesn’t prove cause and effect, there is a mechanism by which these drugs can lead to these problems.”
A spokesman for the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) said: “Sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil and avanafil are important medicines for the management of erectile dysfunction and their use these products are known to be associated with an increased risk of vision problems”.
“Research published in the journal JAMA Ophthalmology confirms a known risk of certain rare vision problems in regular users of these medications,” the spokesperson said.
“The information on the packaging of these medicines advises that if any sudden visual impairment occurs, the patient should stop taking the product and consult a doctor immediately. The patient may continue to use these products, but should discuss any concerns about treatment with your doctor or pharmacist.”
(Source: The Sun)
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