Does CIALIS Cause Vision Loss?
Conditions leading to a sudden decrease or loss of vision, including a condition called NAION, have been rarely reported in patients taking PDE5 inhibitors (oral ED [erectile dysfunction] medicines, including CIALIS). It is not possible to determine whether these cases are related directly to these medicines, to underlying conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure, to a combination of these factors, or to other factors.
What is NAION?
NAION stands for nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy. NAION is a condition in which the blood supply to the nerve that carries signals from the back of the eye to the brain is decreased. This is a rare but serious condition as it may lead to permanent loss of vision, including blindness.
What causes NAION?
The exact cause of NAION is unknown. NAION is more likely to occur in persons with the following conditions:- Previous history of NAION
- Older age (greater than 50 years)
- Diabetes mellitus
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- High cholesterol
- Cigarette smoking
- A variation in the structure of the nerve that carries signals from the eye
There are other conditions that may be associated with NAION. Please talk to your health care professional.
How common is NAION?
NAION is a rare condition with 2-10 cases per 100,000 people over 50 years of age per year.
What are the symptoms of NAION?
Any sudden decrease or loss of vision may be a symptom of NAION. This may first be noticed after a person awakens from sleep. There is usually no pain associated with NAION.
What should I do if I have a sudden decrease or loss of vision?
If you experience a sudden decrease or loss of vision, stop taking any oral ED medication, including CIALIS, and call a doctor right away.
If I am being prescribed CIALIS for the first time, should I tell my doctor about any previous instance(s) of sudden decrease in vision?
As for any medicine, it is very important for you to tell your doctor about all your medical problems, including those in the past. Also, tell your doctor about all medications you're taking. If you have had NAION in one eye, you have a greater likelihood of getting it in the other eye. Only your doctor can determine if CIALIS is right for you.
