Originally published April 10 2005
Viagra tied to vision loss for small number of users
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Researchers at the University of Minnesota say that they have diagnosed a condition called non-arthritic ischemic optic neuropathy (also known as "stroke of the eye") in a group of men who took the anti-impotence drug Viagra. The condition occurs when blood flow to the optic nerve is interrupted, injuring the nerve and causing permanent vision loss. The researchers studied seven patients, all men between the ages of 50 and 69. All of the patients developed the vision loss within 36 hours of taking Viagra. It has been known for several years that Viagra use can cause temporary color change in patients' vision, but this new condition appears to be permanent.
University of Minnesota researchers Wednesday said a condition that causes permanent vision loss has been diagnosed in a small group of men who took Viagra.
Non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy -- called "stroke of the eye" -- occurs when blood flow is cut off to the optic nerve, injuring the nerve and results in permanent vision loss.
The cases are found in the March issue of the Journal of Neuro-ophthalmology.
Seven patients, ages 50-69, had symptoms of the condition within 36 hours of taking Viagra for erectile dysfunction.
"For years, we've known that some men who take Viagra will experience temporary color changes in their vision and see things as blue or green," said Dr. Howard Pomeranz, UM associate professor of ophthalmology.
"NAION is a much more serious condition because it can lead to permanent vision loss."
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