According to a recent Canadian study, there is a greater risk of vision problems in people taking drugs for impotence. This epidemiological study ensures in particular that the men concerned have a higher risk of developing one of the main serious eye conditions.
Erectile dysfunction (or impotence) is the name given to recurring incapacity achieve and maintain an erection during sexual intercourse. The main factor is age, but it is also possible to mention the consumption of tobacco, alcohol and other products harmful to the body. Sexual arousal levels and hormonal health may also play a role. Thus, many men with erectile dysfunction use medication such as Viagra, Levitra or Stendra. However, a study conducted by the University of British Columbia (Canada) and published in the journal JAMA Ophthalmology on April 7, 2020 highlights the existence of risks for vision .
The epidemiological study included 213,000 American men who had no vision problems before taking erectile dysfunction drugs. The researchers first evaluated other diseases that can affect sight such as hypertension, diabetes and coronary heart disease. According to them, men who take these drugs are 85% more likely to develop retinal vascular occlusion (RVO), ischemic optic neuropathy (ION) or severe retinal detachment (SRD). These are the top three serious eye conditions.
“These are rare diseases and the risk of developing the condition is still very low” explains Mahyar Etminan, lead author of the study.
It clarifies that the risk in absolute terms is not very significant although the work has revealed a significant risk on a large scale. If the ratio is potentially only 15 out of 10,000 patients, you should know that every month, no less than twenty million prescriptions are issued for drugs against erectile dysfunction. Thus, even a small risk can result in a significant number of cases of eye disease.
Obviously it is necessary to consult an ophthalmologist before taking medication for impotence. However, researchers do not necessarily advise stopping these same drugs. It must be said that in many cases, the risk factor for taking them remains behind in relation to the general quality of life of patients.
