A medication commonly prescribed for erectile dysfunction and enlarged prostate symptoms may increase the risk of developing glaucoma, a serious eye condition that can lead to vision loss. This is according to recent research findings.
An international team of researchers examined health records of nearly 74,000 men aged 40 and older who experienced lower urinary tract symptoms. Their objective was to determine if long-term use of tadalafil, a drug sold as Cialis, was linked to a greater incidence of glaucoma.
The study, published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology, compared approximately 37,000 men who were prescribed tadalafil with another group that did not use phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, the drug class that includes Cialis. The researchers tracked the participants for up to five years. They monitored the development of new glaucoma cases and increased eye pressure among them.
According to the study, men taking tadalafil had a 22% increased likelihood of developing glaucoma compared to those not using these medications. Additionally, they faced a 32% higher risk of elevated eye pressure and a 33% increased probability of developing primary open-angle glaucoma, the disease’s most common form.
Dr. Valerie Kattouf, an optometrist at the Illinois Eye Institute, mentioned that early-stage glaucoma often lacks visual symptoms, making it difficult to detect initially. As the condition progresses, peripheral vision loss may occur, which emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive eye exam to detect glaucoma early.
Individuals with a family history of glaucoma, high eye pressure, or severe nearsightedness may have an enhanced risk for the disease. Those who take Cialis consistently over a long period may require closer monitoring.
Dr. Kattouf advised that regular users of the medication should undergo a thorough eye examination to establish a baseline for eye health. Through these evaluations, doctors can measure eye pressure and conduct other tests to identify potential glaucoma symptoms.
It is noted that the study was observational, only finding a link between tadalafil use and glaucoma without proving causation. Moreover, changes in medication usage or other health issues over time were not accounted for.
The researchers emphasized that the study’s findings do not mean individuals should cease tadalafil use. Instead, those taking the medication long-term, especially those with existing risk factors for glaucoma, could benefit from regular eye examinations.
Fox News Digital reached out to Eli Lilly, the manufacturer of Cialis, along with the study’s researchers, for their comments.