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Br J Ophthalmol 2006;90:154-157 doi:10.1136/bjo.2005.083519
  • Clinical science
    • Extended reports

Non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy and the treatment of erectile dysfunction

  1. G McGwin, Jr1,2,
  2. M S Vaphiades1,
  3. T A Hall1,
  4. C Owsley1
  1. 1Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
  2. 2Department of Epidemiology and International Health, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
  1. Correspondence to: Dr Gerald McGwin Jr Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 700 S 18th Street, Suite 609, Birmingham, AL 35294-0009, USA; mcgwin{at}uab.edu
  • Accepted 4 October 2005

Abstract

Aim: To determine the association between Viagra (sildenafil) and Cialis (tadalafil) and non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION).

Methods: A retrospective matched case-control study was conducted. 38 cases of NAION in males were identified from an academic ophthalmology practice in Birmingham, Alabama, and matched (on age) to 38 controls without a history of NAION. Self reported information regarding past and current use of Viagra and/or Cialis was obtained via a telephone questionnaire from interviewers who were not blind to case status.

Results: Overall, males with NAION were no more likely to report a history of Viagra or Cialis use compared to similarly aged controls (odd ratio (OR) 1.75, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.48 to 6.30 and OR 1.82, 95% CI 0.21 to 15.39). However, for those with a history of myocardial infarction, a statistically significant association was observed (OR 10.7, 95% CI 1.3 to 95.8). A similar association was observed for those with a history of hypertension though it lacked statistical significance (OR 6.9, 95% CI 0.8 to 63.6).

Conclusions: For men with a history of myocardial infarction or hypertension the use of Viagra or Cialis may increase the risk of NAION. Physicians prescribing these medications to patients with these conditions should warn them about the potential risk of NAION.

Footnotes

  • This research was supported by Research to Prevent Blindness, Inc and the EyeSight Foundation of Alabama, AL, USA. Cynthia Owsley is a Research to Prevent Blindness senior scientific investigator.

Responses to this article

  • Reply from Pfizer
    • Rachel E. Sobel,
    • Joseph C. Cappelleri
    Br J Ophthalmol published online September 14, 2009

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