A medication commonly used for erectile dysfunction and symptoms of an enlarged prostate might increase the risk of glaucoma, a serious eye disease that can lead to vision loss. This finding comes from recent research conducted by an international team, which analyzed health data from around 74,000 men aged 40 and older who experienced urinary tract issues.
The study, published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology, compared two groups: about 37,000 men prescribed tadalafil, known as Cialis, and a similar group that did not use this class of medications called phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors. The researchers followed these men for up to five years, monitoring any new cases of glaucoma and measuring eye pressure to see if they needed treatments for glaucoma.
The results indicated that men who took tadalafil had a 22% higher chance of developing glaucoma compared to those who didn’t. Additionally, they were found to be 32% more likely to experience high eye pressure and 33% more likely to have primary open-angle glaucoma, which is the most common form of the disease.
Dr. Valerie Kattouf, an optometrist at the Illinois Eye Institute who was not part of the study, pointed out that glaucoma can be hard to detect in its early stages because it often doesn’t show obvious visual symptoms. As the disease progresses, it can lead to a gradual loss of peripheral vision.
Kattouf stressed the importance of comprehensive eye exams, which are essential for detecting glaucoma early. She also noted that individuals with a family history of glaucoma, high eye pressure, or severe nearsightedness may be at a higher risk. Those taking tadalafil on a daily basis over a long period may need closer monitoring for eye health.
It’s advised for individuals using this medication to have a thorough eye exam to establish a baseline for their vision health. This will allow doctors to monitor eye pressure and check for changes that may indicate a risk for glaucoma.
While the study identified a link between tadalafil use and increased glaucoma risk, the researchers acknowledged certain limitations. They could only observe the association and could not conclusively prove that the medication causes glaucoma. They also noted that they could not track changes in medication use or other health issues that developed over time.
Importantly, the findings do not suggest that patients should stop taking tadalafil, but those with risk factors for glaucoma may benefit from regular eye examinations to monitor their condition effectively.
