A recent study from the University of British Columbia reveals that men using medications for erectile dysfunction face a significantly higher risk of serious vision problems, including some of the most severe eye conditions.
Erectile dysfunction, defined as the recurring inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse, is primarily linked to aging but also influenced by factors like tobacco and alcohol use, as well as hormonal imbalances. Many men turn to proven treatments such as Viagra, Levitra, or Stendra. However, research published in JAMA Ophthalmology on April 7, 2020, by experts at the University of British Columbia uncovers potential vision risks associated with these drugs.
This large-scale epidemiological analysis examined 213,000 U.S. men with no prior vision issues who began erectile dysfunction medications. Researchers accounted for confounding factors like hypertension, diabetes, and coronary heart disease. The findings show these men are 85% more likely to develop retinal vascular occlusion (RVO), ischemic optic neuropathy (ION), or severe retinal detachment (SRD)—three of the most serious eye disorders.
“These are rare diseases and the risk of developing the condition is still very low,” notes lead researcher Mahyar Etminan.
While the absolute risk remains modest—around 15 cases per 10,000 patients—the scale is notable. With approximately 20 million prescriptions issued monthly for erectile dysfunction drugs, even a small elevated risk translates to many potential cases.
Experts recommend consulting an ophthalmologist before starting these medications. That said, the researchers do not advocate discontinuation, as the benefits to quality of life often outweigh the risks for many patients.
