Study Links Erectile Dysfunction Drug Tadalafil to Increased Glaucoma Risk

Recent research indicates that a medication used for erectile dysfunction and symptoms of an enlarged prostate may elevate the risk of glaucoma, a major eye condition leading to gradual vision loss.

Research Overview

An international research team examined health records of nearly 74,000 men aged 40 and older. They assessed whether long-term use of tadalafil, the active ingredient in drugs like Cialis, was associated with an increased risk of developing glaucoma. The findings appeared in the British Journal of Ophthalmology.

The study compared approximately 37,000 men prescribed tadalafil with a similar group not using phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, which include Cialis. Over a five-year period, researchers monitored new glaucoma cases and increased intraocular pressure, alongside treatment needs for glaucoma.

Key Findings

Men who used tadalafil showed a 22% higher likelihood of developing glaucoma compared to non-users. They also had a 32% increased risk of high intraocular pressure and a 33% heightened chance of primary open-angle glaucoma, the most prevalent form of the condition.

“Glaucoma is an eye condition that, particularly in its early stages, often lacks visual symptoms,” said Dr. Valerie Kattouf, an optometrist uninvolved in the study.

As the disease advances, individuals may experience a gradual loss of peripheral vision, she explained. This observation highlights the importance of comprehensive eye examinations for early glaucoma detection.

Risk Factors and Recommendations

Individuals with a family history of glaucoma, high intraocular pressure, or severe nearsightedness, as well as long-term Cialis users, might face higher risks. Dr. Kattouf recommends regular eye exams to establish eye health baselines.

Study Limitations and Conclusions

The study was observational, linking tadalafil use to glaucoma but not establishing causation. It didn’t account for changes in medication use or other emerging health conditions over time.

Researchers advise patients against discontinuing tadalafil solely based on these findings. Those on long-term medication, particularly with existing glaucoma risk factors, might benefit from regular eye monitoring.

Fox News Digital contacted Eli Lilly, the manufacturer of Cialis, and the study’s researchers for additional comments.