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Anterior ischemic optic neuropathy associated with viagra
1Department of Surgery, Scott & White Memorial Hospital, Temple, Texas, USA.
Summary
Sildenafil citrate use may trigger vision loss in men with crowded optic discs. This medication can cause hypotension, increasing the risk of anterior ischemic optic neuropathy in the fellow eye.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neurology
Background:
- Anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AION) is a common cause of sudden vision loss.
- It is often associated with systemic hypotension and anatomically crowded optic discs.
Observation:
- A 42-year-old male experienced acute inferior visual field defect in the right eye after using sildenafil citrate.
- Examination revealed a relative afferent pupillary defect, disc swelling, and a disc hemorrhage.
Findings:
- Sildenafil citrate can induce transient hypotension.
- The patient's symptoms were temporally linked to sildenafil citrate use, suggesting a causal relationship.
- This case highlights the potential risk of AION in patients with predisposing factors.
Implications:
- Physicians should inquire about sildenafil citrate use in patients presenting with AION symptoms.
- Counseling is crucial for patients with crowded optic discs or prior AION, advising caution with sildenafil citrate.
- Early recognition and specific questioning about medication history are vital for diagnosis and prevention.