A case study from Mount Sinai was published recently that showed color vision problems resulting from cellular retinal damage from taking high doses of sildenafil citrate (Viagra).1 Viagra is a popular medication that is used to help men who suffer from erectile dysfunction get and maintain an erection. The case study demonstrates that prolonged, or excessive use of the medication could cause long-term vision issues, and potentially irreversible damage.
Study shows dangers of upping the dose of commonly used medications
Lead investigator Richard Rosen, MD, Director of Retina Services at New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai (NYEE), underlines a foundational consideration in prescribing these drugs when he comments, “[p]eople live by the philosophy that if a little bit is good, a lot is better. This study shows how dangerous a large dose of a commonly used medication can be.” He also offers that “[p]eople who depend on colored vision for their livelihood need to realize there could be a long-lasting impact of overindulging on this drug.”
Case study followed a 31-year-old male patient
The case study followed a 31-year-old male patient who presented to an urgent care clinic with symptoms of red-tinted vision in both eyes that had been persistent for two days. The symptoms had begun after taking a dose of liquid sildenafil citrate that he had purchased over the internet. The patient had consumed much more than the recommended 50mg dose – the normal dose range can cause visual disturbances, but symptoms usually resolve on their own within 24 hours.
Man diagnosed with persistent retinal toxicity
The man was diagnosed with persistent retinal toxicity related to the high dose of medication causing damage to the outer portion of the retina. The red-tinted visual complaints have still not improved after over a year.
Researchers used state-of-the-art technology
Mount Sinai researchers used state-of-the-art technology, including adaptive optics (AO) and optimal coherence tomography (OCT), to examine his retina for evidence of structural damage at the cellular level, something that had never been done before. AO is a sophisticated technology that allows clinicians to examine microscopic structures of the eye in living patients with extreme detail in real time. OCT is an advanced imaging system that reveals the cross-sectional details of the retina layer by layer.
Imaging techniques used
Using these imaging techniques, microscopic injury to the cones of the retina were able to be assessed – cones are what allows for color vision. The damage was similar to other retinal diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa or cone-rod dystrophy.
Source:
- Yanoga F, Gentile RC, Chui TYP, et al. SILDENAFIL CITRATE INDUCED RETINAL TOXICITY-ELECTRORETINOGRAM, OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY, AND ADAPTIVE OPTICS FINDINGS. Retin Cases Brief Rep. 2018;12 Suppl 1:S33-S40.
Razi Berry is the founder and publisher of the journal Naturopathic Doctor News & Review that has been in print since 2005 and the premier consumer-faced website of naturopathic medicine, NaturalPath. She is the host of The Natural Cancer Prevention Summit and The Heart Revolution-Heal, Empower and Follow Your Heart, and the popular 10 week Sugar Free Summer program. From a near death experience as a young girl that healed her failing heart, to later overcoming infertility and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia through naturopathic medicine, Razi has lived the mind/body healing paradigm. Her projects uniquely capture the tradition and philosophy of naturopathy: The healing power of nature, the vital life force in every living thing and the undeniable role that science and mind/body medicine have in creating health and overcoming dis-ease. Follow Razi on Facebook at Razi Berry and join us at Love is Medicine to explore the convergence of love and health.