Title: Man Blinded in One Eye After Taking Viagra, Doctors Suggest Link to Medication
Subtitle: Case study provides strongest evidence yet of potential eye damage associated with erectile dysfunction drug
By John Ely, Senior Health Reporter
October 13, 2023
A 32-year-old man from Iran reportedly lost his vision in one eye after taking a high dose of sildenafil, the main ingredient in Viagra. Doctors believe that this case provides significant evidence suggesting a potential link between the popular erectile dysfunction medication and eye damage.
The unidentified man took a bumper dose of sildenafil and immediately experienced the loss of sight in his right eye. Despite efforts to restore his vision, the damage was too extensive, and he ultimately lost all vision in that eye. The case, shared by medics from Tehran in a medical journal, is considered some of the strongest evidence indicating the harmful effects of Viagra on eyes.
Sildenafil works by increasing blood flow to the penis, helping combat impotence. However, doctors speculate that this increase in blood flow could inadvertently harm other sensitive vessels in the body, including those in the eyes. In this particular case, the man experienced sudden vision loss three hours after taking the maximum dosage of 100mg, which is double the recommended dose for most men with erectile dysfunction.
Upon seeking medical attention, scans revealed the presence of blood clots in both the artery and vein responsible for transferring blood to and from his right eye. This resulted in swelling of the retina, as well as macular edema, a condition characterized by blood leakage into the retina. The pressure from fluid build-up eventually caused the retina to detach physically from the rest of the eye.
Interestingly, the man had no recent infections or vaccinations and his left eye remained undamaged. Additionally, there was no family history of blood clot issues and tests for undiagnosed conditions came back negative. Thus, the doctors believe there is a potential causal role of sildenafil in this clinical scenario, especially considering the temporal relationship between medication intake and the onset of the eye problem.
While eye and vision problems have been reported in connection with sildenafil use, the exact mechanism for how the medication damages blood vessels in the eye remains unknown. One theory is that the intended effect of increased blood flow to the penis may inadvertently put sensitive eye vessels at risk. The authors of the case study call for further investigations into the potential link, particularly among younger men.
It is worth noting that a sudden decrease or loss of vision is listed as a potential rare side effect of sildenafil. The UK allows the over-the-counter purchase of sildenafil without a prescription, but serious side effects occur only in about one in 1,000 people who take the medication.
While Viagra is most commonly known for its use in treating erectile dysfunction, it is also prescribed to patients suffering from pulmonary hypertension, a condition characterized by dangerously high blood pressure in the blood vessels supplying the lungs.
As more cases like this emerge, it becomes increasingly important to weigh the potential risks associated with sildenafil use and to consult medical professionals if any unusual symptoms occur.