PILLS for erectile dysfunction might raise the risk of blinding condition glaucoma, according to a study.
Men who used tadalafil, best known by brand name Cialis, were on average 22 per cent more likely to develop the disease.
More than a million people in the UK are estimated to have glaucoma Credit: Alamy
Tadalafil, best known by brand name Cialis, treats erectile dysfunction Credit: Alamy
More than a million Brits are estimated to have glaucoma which causes pain and poor vision as the nerve between the eye and brain breaks down.
And most men experience erectile dysfunction in middle and old age meaning millions take pills like Cialis and Viagra to keep going.
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Tadalafil is also prescribed to treat enlarged prostate, which is common in older men.
Scientists led by the National Taiwan University Hospital said eye damage may be caused by the way the drugs widen blood vessels.
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This increases blood flow to the penis, making erections stronger, but may also increase blood presssure in the eyes and raise the risk of nerve damage.
The team used data from 74,000 men aged over 40 who were tracked for up to five years.
In that time, men who were prescribed tadalafil were 22 per cent more likely to develop any glaucoma.
Their risk of high blood pressure in the eye was 32 per cent higher and the chance of primary open-angle glaucoma, the most common type, was 33 per cent higher.
These patients were also a third more likely to receive eye treatment.
Experts said they could not prove the pills caused the condition.
Writing in the British Journal of Ophthalmology, they added that past evidence was “inconclusive”.
At least one study has shown that erection drugs might actually reduce glaucoma risk.
Lead author Dr Chien-Chih Chou added: “Unlike the intermittent dosing commonly used for erectile dysfunction, patients with lower urinary tract symptoms typically receive tadalafil on a continuous, daily basis.
“This prolonged exposure may amplify the medication’s effects on blood flow.”
Everything you need to know about glaucoma
Glaucoma is an eye condition where the main nerve, which connects the eye to the brain, becomes damaged.
It’s most common in adults aged 50 and over and can cause vision loss if it’s not diagnosed and treated early.
Glaucoma doesn’t usually have symptoms, so most people don’t realise they have it.
It develops slowly over many years and is usually picked up during routine eye tests.
While the condition usually affects both eyes, it may be worse in just one.
Sometimes glaucoma can develop suddenly and cause symptom such as:
intense eye pain
a red eye
tenderness around the eyes
seeing rainbow-coloured circles around bright lights
blurred vision
feeling sick (nausea) and being sick
a headache
If you have concerns about your vision, see a GP or optician.
But call 999 or go to A&E if you develop symptoms of glaucoma suddenly.
This is considered a medical emergency that may require immediate treatment.
Make sure you don’t drive yourself to A&E – ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.
And bring any medications you take with you.
Source: NHS
