Popular Erectile Dysfunction Drug Linked to Vision-Threatening Eye Disease

Key Points:

• A large multinational study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology found that men taking tadalafil (Cialis) long-term for urinary symptoms linked to enlarged prostate have a 22% higher risk of developing glaucoma and increased risks of ocular hypertension and glaucoma treatment initiation.
• The study analyzed health records of over 73,000 men aged 40 and older, comparing those prescribed tadalafil or other PDE5 inhibitors with those not taking these drugs, controlling for various health and demographic factors.
• While the findings suggest chronic use of tadalafil may affect eye health, particularly increasing the risk of primary open-angle glaucoma, the observational nature of the study means causation cannot be confirmed.
• Researchers recommend regular eye monitoring and baseline ophthalmic assessments for patients on long-term tadalafil therapy, especially for those with pre-existing glaucoma risk factors such as family history, ocular hypertension, or high myopia.
• The study highlights the need for further research into the mechanisms by which PDE5 inhibitors might influence ocular physiology but does not advise against tadalafil use when medically indicated.