Viagra can cause permanent vision loss in some men,University of Minnesota Researchers say

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Viagra can cause permanent vision loss in some men, University of Minnesota

Researchers say

Medical News Today

Thursday, March 31, 2005

Ophthalmologists at the University of Minnesota say that a condition that

causes permanent vision loss has been diagnosed in a small group of men who

have taken the erectile dysfunction drug Viagra. The condition, nonarteritic

ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), described as " stroke of the eye, " occurs

when blood flow is cut off to the optic nerve, which injures the nerve and

results in permanent vision loss. These cases were published in the March

2005 issue of the Journal of Neuro-ophthalmology.

Seven patients, aged between 50 and 69 years, had typical features of NAION

within 36 hours after ingestion of Viagra for erectile dysfunction. Seven

similar cases have been previously reported.

" For years, we've known that some men who take Viagra will experience

temporary color changes in their vision and see things as blue or green, "

said Pomeranz, M.D., associate professor of ophthalmology at the

University of Minnesota Medical School. " NAION is a much more serious

condition because it can lead to permanent vision loss. "

All of the patients had at least one arteriosclerotic risk factor, including

hypertension, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, or hyperlipidemia. All of the

patients also had a low cup to disk ratio, which is a way doctors measure

the small circular indentation where the optic nerve connects to the

eyeball. The low cup to disk ratio means that the blood vessels and nerves

are tightly bundled together into the small space in the back of the eye.

" Viagra regulates a chemical in the body to constrict the arteries. This

constriction may cut off the blood flow to the optic nerve, especially in

people with a low cup to disk ratio, where the blood vessels and nerves are

tightly bundled provoking NAION, " says Pomeranz.

The onset of NAION within hours after ingestion of Viagra in 14 patients

supports an association between the use of the drug and NAION. Based on the

fact that 14 cases of NAION have now been reported soon after the use of

Viagra, the researchers believe that ophthalmologists should ask all men

with NAION about the use of Viagra, and recommend that patients with a

history of NAION in one eye be cautioned that Viagra may increase the risk

of NAION in the fellow eye.

The Academic Health Center is home to the University of Minnesota's six

health professional schools and colleges as well as several health-related

centers and institutes. Founded in 1851, the University is one of the oldest

and largest land grant institutions in the country. The AHC prepares the new

health professionals who improve the health of communities, discover and

deliver new treatments and cures, and strengthen the health economy.

Contact: Jonell Rusinko

jrusinko@...

612-624-5680

University of Minnesota

http://www.umn.edu

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=22034

[Guest guest]

That's because all the blood floods from their heads down to their....ahem....nether parts, for extended periods of time.

Sorry, couldn't resist.<G>

Guido's sister (a/k/a Sharyn)

From: TerriLynne [mailto:terri_lynne@...]

Viagra can cause permanent vision loss in some men, University of Minnesota Researchers say

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