York County Medicine Summer 2020 - 36

YO R K C O M E D S O C . O R G

IN THE NEWS:

Erectile Dysfunction
Meds and Vision Loss
By: Dr. Catherine Bene, Ophthalmologist

The use of any of these medications has been shown to impact
the vision of as many as 18% of men taking them. These changes
in the vision usually occur 1 to 2 hours after taking the drug and
can last up to 4 hours. The effects are well-described. Vision
may become blurred or develop a central haze. The eyes may
become red, painful and sensitive to light. Flashing lights can
be seen especially with blinking the eyes. Colors may also be
altered with dark colors appearing darker, a decreased perception
of color and objects may have colored tinges (usually blue or blue
-green, or less often pink or yellow). Increased use or higher
dosages can cause greater visual impairment. Even for persons
with underlying ocular disorders, like macular degeneration or
glaucoma, the effects are temporary and harmless. However, the
FDA warns pilots not to take these meds within 6 hours of flying.

E

rectile Dysfunction (ED) is very common, affecting 52% of
men ages 40-70 in the US. To many men, ED is a major
(often silent) concern and important quality of life issue.
Starting in 1998, Sildenafil (Viagra) and later Vardenafil (Levitra)
and Tadalafil (Cialis) revolutionized the treatment of ED. Viagra
is Pfizer's best-selling product; grossing over $1 billion annually.
These pills, now considered the first line treatment for ED, are
usually safe, easy to use and effective. It is anticipated that over the
next several decades, increasing numbers of men will seek care for
sexual health concerns due to their awareness of ED as a "treatable
condition." Yet, increased life expectancy and the rising incidence
of chronic conditions often associated with ED (such as heart
disease and diabetes) have expanded the use of these medications.

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York County Medicine | SUMMER 2020

Of note is a small 2005 study (and later, additional small
studies) which described a condition known as "NAION"
associated with the use of Viagra. This condition results in sudden,
severe and permanent loss of vision because of disruption of blood
flow to the optic nerve. In response to these findings, the FDA
required new, updated labelling of all 3 meds to show a possible
association with NAION. If you experience profound loss of
vision after taking any of these ED drugs, STOP the medication
immediately and seek urgent evaluation with an ophthalmologist.
Millions of men worldwide take ED meds with only very rare
serious, lasting side effects. As with any meds, these drugs should
be treated and taken seriously. ED meds should ONLY be taken
under your doctor's supervision. They should not be purchased
in a gym, on the streets, at popular vacation spots or over the
internet. Men over the age of 50 who are taking these meds
should also have routine eye exams and be on the alert for any
ocular side effects.
http://www.YORKCOMEDSOC.ORG
York County Medicine Summer 2020

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