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Updated: Jul 16, 2026
08:17
Optical Coherence Tomography: Imaging Mouse Retinal Ganglion Cells In Vivo
Published on: September 22, 2017
Optic atrophy after sildenafil use.
Joseph W Sowka1, Maryke N Neiberg, Lori A Vollmer
1Nova Southeastern University, College of Optometry, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida 33328, USA. jsowka@nova.edu
Optometry (St. Louis, Mo.)
|February 27, 2007
Summary
Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors, like sildenafil used for erectile dysfunction, may cause optic neuropathies beyond non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAAION). This case suggests a potential link between sildenafil use and other forms of optic nerve damage.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors are used for erectile dysfunction and can cause transient visual disturbances.
- Recent reports link these drugs to non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAAION).
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of optic neuropathy potentially associated with sildenafil use.
- To explore if PDE-5 inhibitors can cause optic neuropathies other than NAAION.
Main Methods:
- A case report of an older male patient with asymptomatic optic neuropathy.
- Neuroimaging and serology were performed to exclude other causes.
- Patient's history of sildenafil use was noted.
Main Results:
- The patient developed an optic neuropathy not typical of NAAION.
- No other underlying cause for the neuropathy was identified.
- The neuropathy appeared to be associated with sildenafil use.
Conclusions:
- Sildenafil use may be associated with optic neuropathies beyond NAAION.
- Further research is needed to establish a definitive causal link.
- Erectile dysfunction medications might be implicated in various optic nerve conditions.
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