Journal of Neuro-Ophthalmology

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Journal of Neuro-Ophthalmology:
December 2005 - Volume 25 - Issue 4 - pp 295-298
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Erectile Dysfunction Drugs and Non-Arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy: Is There a Cause and Effect Relationship?

Hayreh, Sohan Singh MD, PhD, DSc, FRCS, FRCOphth

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Abstract

Abstract: The recent reports of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) occurring shortly after ingestion of erectile dysfunction agents have raised the question of whether these agents have a cause-and-effect relationship to NAION. The nature of optic nerve head blood flow and the various factors that influence it, the systemic vascular effects of these agents, and the clinical features of NAION lead me to believe that these agents are contributory factors. Patients with the appropriate risk factors should, therefore, be warned of this possibility and advised to refrain from using these agents.

© 2005 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.