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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 16, 2026

Optical Coherence Tomography: Imaging Mouse Retinal Ganglion Cells In Vivo

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.

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jul 16, 2026

Optical Coherence Tomography: Imaging Mouse Retinal Ganglion Cells In Vivo

Optical Coherence Tomography: Imaging Mouse Retinal Ganglion Cells In Vivo

Published on: September 22, 2017

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.