Originally published June 8 2005
Vision problems and blindness could be linked to impotence drugs
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
The FDA is investigating a possible link between vision loss and the impotence drugs Viagra, Cialis and Levitra. Forty-three men taking the impotence drugs have reported varying degrees of vision loss, including blindness. Most of the reports came from Viagra users. However, the FDA says it will be difficult to link the drugs specifically to the vision problems, since impotence is often associated with diabetes and heart disease -- both of which can also cause vision problems, In addition, the possible side effects listed on the drugs' packaging do not include the types of vision problems reported.
U.S. health officials are investigating rare reports of vision loss among men using the impotence drugs Viagra, Cialis and Levitra.
But, health experts caution, this type of vision loss also is linked to the same illnesses -- such as diabetes and heart disease -- that can lead to impotence.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Friday that it had 43 reports of varying degrees of vision loss -- including blindness -- among 38 users of Viagra, four users of Cialis, and one user of Levitra, the Associated Press reported.
The vision problems seem to be linked to a condition called nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, or NAION, which causes sudden vision loss when blood flow to the optic nerve is blocked.
For that reason, it may be impossible for the FDA to determine whether the impotence drugs contribute to vision loss, the AP said.
Five patients had permanent vision loss in one eye and the other patient lost sight in both eyes.
All of these men had high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol -- again, risk factors for vision loss.
"It's potentially a serious issue," said Dr. Robert Cykiert, an ophthalmologist at New York University Medical Center and a clinical associate professor at New York University School of Medicine.
Viagra can cause blood pressure to drop, which may cause insufficient blood flow to the optic nerve, resulting in vision loss, he explained.
Bar Chama noted that the potential vision problems cited on the labels of these drugs refer to temporary blurred vision or a temporary blue haze, not the permanent effects the FDA is investigating.
He said that men who take Viagra often have high blood pressure and high cholesterol, which are also associated with the conditions that can cause blindness.
All content posted on this site is commentary or opinion and is protected under Free Speech. Truth Publishing LLC takes sole responsibility for all content. Truth Publishing sells no hard products and earns no money from the recommendation of products. NaturalNews.com is presented for educational and commentary purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice from any licensed practitioner. Truth Publishing assumes no responsibility for the use or misuse of this material. For the full terms of usage of this material, visit www.NaturalNews.com/terms.shtml