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Viagra (sildenafil citrate) and ophthalmology
Alan Laties1, Eberhart Zrenner
1Department of Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, University of Pennsylvania Medical School, Myrin Circle, 51 N 39th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, , USA. laties@mail.med.upenn.edu
Progress in Retinal and Eye Research
|September 5, 2002
Summary
Sildenafil (Viagra) for erectile dysfunction (ED) primarily targets PDE5, with minor PDE6 inhibition. Studies show sildenafil causes no long-term visual damage, only mild, temporary color vision changes.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pharmacology
- Urology
Background:
- Sildenafil citrate (Viagra) is a PDE5 inhibitor used for erectile dysfunction (ED).
- It also inhibits PDE6, found in the eye's photoreceptors, raising concerns about visual side effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of sildenafil on the visual system.
- To assess potential long-term visual adverse events associated with sildenafil use.
Main Methods:
- Review of preclinical, clinical, and postmarketing data on sildenafil's visual effects.
- Analysis of visual function studies in volunteers and patients with eye conditions.
- Examination of long-term toxicology studies in animals.
Main Results:
- Sildenafil causes transient, mild visual symptoms (e.g., blue tinge, increased brightness) in a minority of patients.
- No adverse effects on visual acuity, visual fields, or contrast sensitivity were observed.
- A temporary impairment of color discrimination occurs at peak plasma levels; no long-term visual changes were detected.
Conclusions:
- Sildenafil does not induce long-term structural or functional damage to the eye.
- Short-term inhibition of PDE5/PDE6 by sildenafil is unlikely to cause lasting visual impairment.
- Extensive clinical use has not revealed consistent patterns of long-term retinal or ocular adverse events.