are three very popular prescription drugs used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. These drugs have been used by millions of men and have definitely been a quality of life enhancer. Recently though, there have been reports of vision loss  soon after the use of one of these drugs. In some cases, the loss of visual acuity and visual field was progressive over days or weeks. The cases of vision loss have been very rare, but we must remember that ED is not a life-threatening condition so consideration must be given to the risks associated with use of these medications, particularly if you have arteriosclerotic risk factors.  

The use of these medications leads to smooth muscle relaxation in the corpus cavernosum, allowing inflow of blood to the penis during sexual stimulation.  Headache and flushing are the most frequently reported adverse events associated with the use of these drugs. The use of these drugs is contraindicated in patients taking nitrates. These drugs have been known to cause changes in perception of color (blue) or brightness through a presumed action on the retinal photoreceptors.  This color change is temporary.

A recent article in the Journal of Neuro-Ophthalmology describes seven cases of vision loss. These patients were all taking Viagra (sildenafil), but the risks are present with all three medications. The patients ranged in age from 50 to 69 years. All had at least one arteriosclerotic risk factor, including hypertension, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, or hyperlipidemia. Some of the patients had been using the agent intermittently for months or years for treatment of erectile dysfunction before the occurrence of acute visual loss. Other individuals had only recently been prescribed one of these medications and had used one or a few doses before visual loss developed. In six patients, visual loss occurred within 24 hours after the use of sildenafil, most commonly on awakening the next morning. 

In summary, if you have arteriosclerotic risk factors, you may want to discuss the continued use of one of these medication with your prescribing doctor in the near future. I am posting this recent FDA Alert for your information. Additional information may be found at:     http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/infopage/cialis/default.htm