Viagra and Vision Loss

Federal health officials are currently investigating cases of blindness in men who used Viagra. Viagra, manufactured by Pfizer, Inc., was introduced in 1998 for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. The impotence drug has been used by over 23 million men worldwide. The FDA is now reviewing 50 cases of vision loss, to determine whether there is a direct link to the drug.

What you should know:

The vision loss being studied is due to a condition called nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). NAION presents itself with a painless onset of a vision loss in one eye. The most common visual symptom is an inferior visual field defect, where the lower half of an object appears blurred. Additionally, there have been reports of increased intraocular pressure (pressure inside the eye), retinal vascular disease (the vein providing outflow of blood in the eye becomes blocked) and other eye complications. For individuals with NAION who are using drugs for erectile dysfunction, headaches can also occur. Individuals who experience NAION do not typically recover the lost vision.

The drug's label currently has no warning of a risk of permanent vision loss.

What can I do?

If you have experienced any vision loss while taking Viagra, you should immediately consult your physician. You may also want to consider your potential legal claim. If you would like more information, click here to fill out a free case review form or contact attorney Barry Reed directly, toll-free at 800.493.2827.