July 11, 2005—The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has ordered the makers of Viagra, Cialis and Levitra to add new warnings about rare cases of sudden vision loss. A recent study also noted these vision problems, known as non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), in seven men who had taken Viagra.
The agency is advising patients to stop taking these medicines or call a doctor or right away if they experience sudden or decreased vision loss in one or both eyes. In a statement, the agency said that a small number of men lost their sight some time after taking Viagra, Cialis or Levitra. "It is not possible to determine whether these oral medicines for erectile dysfunction were the cause of the loss of eyesight or whether the problem is related to other factors such as high blood pressure or diabetes or to a combination of these problems," the FDA said.
Well over 20 million men have taken these anti-impotence drugs, meaning that whatever risk there is of developing vision loss—if there is a risk at all—would seem extremely small. Still, just how serious of a condition is NAION, and what can be done in men who develop it?
What is NAION?
NAION is one of the most common causes of sudden vision loss in older Americans.
The condition leads to swelling around the optic disc, a connection point where the optic nerves reach the back of the eye. Ultimately, this swelling compresses the optic nerves and causes a rapid drop in vision.
Copyright 2009 NBC Health
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