Take Cialis for an Enlarged Prostate? A Study of 73,854 Men Links It to Glaucoma. Ask for This Test

Key Points:

• A large study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology found that men taking daily tadalafil (Cialis) have a modestly increased risk of glaucoma and ocular hypertension, with about 8 extra cases per 1,000 men over five years compared to non-users.
• The study involved 73,854 men aged 40 and older, matched for various health factors, and showed a 22-33% higher likelihood of glaucoma-related diagnoses and treatments in tadalafil users, with risks appearing within months of starting the drug.
• Despite the increased risk, the absolute difference in glaucoma incidence is small, and the study is observational, meaning it cannot prove causation; researchers advise men not to stop tadalafil but to have regular eye exams, especially if they have other risk factors.
• Glaucoma often has no early symptoms and can cause irreversible vision loss, making regular comprehensive eye exams crucial for early detection and treatment to prevent progression.
• Medicare covers annual glaucoma screenings for high-risk individuals but currently does not include tadalafil use as a risk factor; patients are encouraged to discuss eye health and medication risks with their healthcare providers.