Viagra may cause permanent vision loss
Posted February 6, 2012 – 12:04 am in: ViagraAt the University of Minnesota Ophthalmologists says that the condition that causes permanent vision loss has been diagnosed in very few men in a very rare case who has taken the drug Viagra for erectile dysfunction. The condition (NAION) nonarteritic ischemic optic neuropathy described as “stroke of the eye,” it occurs when blood flow is cut off to the optic nerve, which may injure the nerve and that may cause to permanent vision loss. The journal of Neuro-opthalmology published these cases in March 2005.
The features of NAION were observed within 36 hours after having of Viagra for erectile dysfunction in seven men of aged 50 and 69 years. A similar case of loss of vision was seen in previous report.
We know that men who take Viagra would experience some side effects such as temporary color changes in their vision and see things as blue and green, said Howard Pomeranz, M.D., an associate professor of ophthalmology at the University of Minnesota Medical School. NAION is a much serious thing because it may lead to permanent vision loss.
Most of the patient had at least one arteriosclerotic risk factor, including some other such hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia. Patient had a low cup to disk ratio that is the way the doctors measure the small circular indention where the optic nerve connects the eyeball. The low cup to disk ratio means that the blood vessels and nerves that are tightly bundled together into the small space in the back of the eye.
Actually, Viagra regulates a chemical in the body to tighten the arteries. This restriction may cut off the blood flow to the optic nerve, especially in men who have low cup to disk ratio, where the blood vessels are tightly bundled infuriating NAION says Pomeranz.
Thus it is preferred to take Viagra under the supervision of your doctor in a correct dosage which suits your body type.