Viagra Eye Problems, Blindness

Viagra (sildenafil) can cause several side effects including eye problems and blindness. Up to 3 percent of individuals taking this medication have reported vision problems that include:

• Blurred vision
• Increased sensitivity to light
• Impaired color discrimination, particularly between green and blue

Viagra has also been associated with rare, serious vision problems, particularly temporary or permanent blindness. However, since cases of loss of vision are infrequently noted, health experts are not certain whether it is due to the drug, genetics, other medical conditions, or other factors completely unrelated with the use of this medication. Many health experts and industry analysts believe that Viagra poses little risk of causing vision loss.

Still, this potential side effect is enough to cause concern for the millions of men taking Viagra. In response to the heightened concern of the public, the FDA had asked Pfizer – the manufacturer of Viagra – to include a warning in the drug’s label about the possible side effect.

What Studies Say?

According to urologists, erectile dysfunction medications are generally safe. Reported cases of blindness due to Viagra are thought to result from a condition known as nonarteritic ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). This rare eye problem causes poor blood flow in the blood vessels of the eye. This condition is more common among men over 50 years of age particularly those with certain medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease and high cholesterol. Since erectile dysfunction (ED) and NAION share these same risk factors, it is difficult to actually determine whether Viagra is indeed the cause of blindness or it is just a coincidence.

NAION usually affects one eye and can cause either temporary or permanent vision loss.

If you have existing or history of vision problems such as optic neuropathy, retinitis, macular degeneration, and pigmentosa, be sure to inform your healthcare provider. These eye conditions likely increase your risk of developing NAION.

The FDA does not specifically consider blindness as a “common side effect” of Viagra because of lack of well controlled studies. Furthermore, in over 100 clinical trials participated by over 13,000 men, vision problems was reported by only 2 to 10 of every 100,000 men taking Viagra. Most of these studies were funded partly by its manufacturer. Pfizer further stressed that it would continue to study this potential side effect.

If you experience vision problems with Viagra, consult your healthcare provider for necessary treatment. Some patients may require dose adjustments, change in medication, or stopping use of Viagra altogether. You and your healthcare provider can come up with a shared decision that best meets your expecatations.