A recent study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology has identified a possible connection between long‑term use of the erectile dysfunction medication tadalafil and an increased risk of glaucoma, a serious eye disease that can lead to irreversible vision loss.
Study Overview
Researchers from an international team examined health records of nearly 74,000 men aged 40 and older who reported lower urinary tract symptoms. About 37,000 of these men were prescribed tadalafil, while a comparable group did not use any phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, the drug class that includes Cialis.
The participants were followed for up to five years. During that time, the investigators tracked new diagnoses of glaucoma, elevated intra‑ocular pressure, and the need for glaucoma‑related treatment.
Key Findings
Men taking tadalafil were found to be 22% more likely to develop glaucoma compared with those who did not use the medication. The study also reported a 32% higher likelihood of developing elevated eye pressure and a 33% greater chance of being diagnosed with primary open‑angle glaucoma, the most common form of the disease.
Dr. Valerie Kattouf, an optometrist at the Illinois Eye Institute who was not involved in the research, explained that glaucoma often has no early visual symptoms, making routine eye examinations essential for early detection.
Implications for Patients
Because glaucoma can progress silently, individuals with a family history of the disease, high intra‑ocular pressure, or severe nearsightedness may be at heightened risk. Those who take tadalafil daily over an extended period should consider more frequent monitoring.
“People who regularly use the medication should have a comprehensive eye exam to establish a baseline for their eye health,” Kattouf advised. “Doctors can check pressure inside the eyes and perform other tests to look for changes that could signal glaucoma.”
Study Limitations
The authors emphasized that the research is observational, meaning it can identify an association but cannot prove that tadalafil directly causes glaucoma. Additionally, the study could not fully account for changes in medication use or the development of other health conditions over time.
Researchers also noted that they could not determine whether the observed risk applies equally to all dosage levels or to men using the drug intermittently rather than daily.
Recommendations
While the findings do not suggest that men should stop taking tadalafil, they do highlight the importance of regular eye health monitoring for those on long‑term therapy, especially if they possess other glaucoma risk factors.
Fox News Digital reached out to Eli Lilly, the manufacturer of Cialis, and to the study’s researchers for comment. Neither responded at the time of publication.
What Readers Can Do
Men currently using tadalafil or considering it for erectile dysfunction or enlarged prostate symptoms should discuss the study’s findings with their healthcare provider. Scheduling a comprehensive eye exam, particularly if there is a personal or family history of glaucoma, can help detect early changes and preserve vision.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
