A study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology indicates that tadalafil, a medication used for erectile dysfunction and enlarged prostate symptoms, may be associated with a higher risk of glaucoma. Researchers analyzed health records from nearly 74,000 men aged 40 and older with lower urinary tract symptoms to assess the long-term effects of tadalafil use.
The study compared approximately 37,000 men prescribed tadalafil with a similar group not using phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, which include Cialis. Over a follow-up period of up to five years, the researchers identified new cases of glaucoma and instances of high intraocular pressure. Findings revealed that men using tadalafil were 22% more likely to develop glaucoma, 32% more likely to experience high pressure inside the eye, and 33% more likely to develop primary open-angle glaucoma, the most common type of the disease.
Dr. Valerie Kattouf, an optometrist at the Illinois Eye Institute, noted that glaucoma can be asymptomatic in its early stages, making regular eye evaluations important for those at risk. She advised that individuals with a family history of glaucoma or those taking tadalafil long-term should undergo comprehensive eye exams to monitor their eye health.
The researchers acknowledged limitations in their study, emphasizing that while a link was found between tadalafil use and glaucoma, causation could not be established. They recommend that patients using the medication long-term, especially those with glaucoma risk factors, consider regular eye monitoring. Fox News Digital contacted Eli Lilly, the manufacturer of Cialis, and the study’s researchers for comments.