Researchers from the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, reported seven patients who developed nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy ( NAION ), after taking Viagra ( Sildenafil ) for erectile dysfunction.

Nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy ( NAION ) is a common cause of sudden vision loss in people over 50.
It is caused by infarction of the short posterior ciliary arteries supplying the anterior optic nerve. There is no direct treatment for NAION, although corticosteroids are sometimes used to reduce optic nerve edema.

Treatment goals are aimed at controlling the systemic vascular disease ( i.e., hypertension, diabetes, atherosclerosis ) or collagen vascular disease that precipitated NAION in hopes of preventing or delaying bilateral involvement.

Seven patients, aged between 50 and 69 years, had typical features of nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy within 36 hours after ingestion of Sildenafil for erectile dysfunction.

Six patients had vision loss within 24 hours after use of the drug.

Final visual acuity in the affected eye ranged from 20/20 to light perception.

Both eyes were affected in one individual.

All affected subjects had pre-existing hypertension, diabetes, elevated cholesterol, or hyperlipidemia.
Seven similar cases have been previously reported.

Sildenafil may cause nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy in individuals with an arteriosclerotic risk profile according to authors.

Source : Journal of Neuro-Ophthalmology, 2005


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